Latest news with #SamHoufai
South China Morning Post
09-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
‘Good start' by new Macau administration, Beijing's point man says on visit
Macau's 'resolute implementation' of Chinese President Xi Jinping's orders has led to a good start by the new administration, Beijing's point man on the city's affairs has said on the second day of a fact-finding mission. Advertisement Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), also said on Friday that Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai's maiden policy address last month had embodied the 'spirit of courage'. A statement issued by the Macau government quoted Xia as saying that Sam had led the administration in its 'resolute implementation' of the 'spirit of the important speeches' made by Xi during his visits to Macau and of the central authorities' decisions. 'Such effort has led to a good start for the new-term government,' Xia was quoted as saying. The policy address had 'embodied a spirit of courage and covered a wide range of topics, for which the central authorities express their affirmation and full support'. During a visit last December to mark the 25th anniversary of the city's return to Chinese administration and swear in Sam, Xi had urged Macau to avoid complacency, strive to attract a broad range of talent and play a bigger role on the international stage. Advertisement In his policy address, titled 'Innovate to elevate; forge ahead to break new ground', Sam pledged to continue diversifying Macau's economy away from gambling, further strengthen development with the Hengqin New Area and safeguard national security. Hengqin, an island in neighbouring Zhuhai, is jointly managed by the Guangdong and Macau governments.
South China Morning Post
08-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Beijing's point man on Macau affairs begins 6-day visit to city
Beijing's point man on Macau affairs has embarked on a six-day fact-finding trip to the city, acknowledging the 'good start' made by the new administration. Advertisement Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), arrived in the city on Thursday afternoon for a visit that runs until Tuesday. 'Upon his arrival, Xia headed to the Santa Sancha Palace to meet Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai as well as officials from the executive, legislative and judiciary branches,' a brief statement issued by the office said, referring to the Macau leader's official residence. The Macau government said that Xia had conveyed President Xi Jinping greetings and mentioned the leader's interest in the well-being of residents, as well as Beijing's affirmation of the good start made by the new administration. 'Xia also has an in-depth understanding of Macau's current development situation and its future plans on all aspects, as well as various policies and work of the government,' it said. Advertisement Xia last visited Macau in May 2024 for seven days. The latest inspection tour marked his first visit since Sam's administration assumed office in December last year.
South China Morning Post
07-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Xia Baolong to conduct 6-day inspection tour in Macau from Thursday
Beijing's point man overseeing Macau affairs will conduct a six-day inspection in the city from Thursday to learn about its latest social and economic developments, authorities have said. Advertisement The local government said that Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, would be briefed about the new administration's work during his tour in the casino hub between Thursday and May 13. The coming visit will mark Xia's first trip to Macau since the local government, led by Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai, was formed in December last year. 'Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai thanked central authorities, on behalf of Macau, for the long-standing care and support for the city. Sam sent his warmest welcome to Xia for visiting Macau,' the government said. It added that the administration would make proper arrangements for the visit to ensure its success. Advertisement Xia's previous visit to the casino hub was in May last year, during which he called the casino hub the 'apple of the country's eye' while urging the city to maximise its business advantages, economic foundations and cultural inclusiveness to bolster its growth as an international metropolis.
