Friends from the Press,

First of all, I would like to thank you for coming to the press conference.

Today, Macau has returned to the Motherland and become a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. Here we shall execute the principle and policies of “one Country, two Systems”, “Macau people running Macau” and “a high degree of autonomy”. This is a great event for China and for Macau, and has attracted the attention of the whole world. Through your efforts, and your expertise and professionalism, you have helped to make this great historic event known to all peoples of the world.

The MSAR Government will strengthen various consultation channels and keep in close contact with the media so that they can play their full role as the bridge between the government and various communities. Here in Macau we not only have local newsmen and journalists and those from neighbouring regions, but also media friends from other parts of the world covering Macau’s Handover. So I wish to avail myself of this opportunity to answer as many questions as I can.

You are welcome to ask questions on any issues of interest to you and which are related to the MSAR.

Now I shall be very happy to take your questions.

Thank you.