STORY: Thriving Macao dispels doubts about "one country, two systems"

SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage

DATELINE: Dec. 14, 2024

LENGTH: 0:02:32

LOCATION: MACAO, China

CATEGORY: POLITICSSHOTLIST:

1. various of Macao

2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): IO HONG MENG, Former president of General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macao

3. various of Macao

4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): IO HONG MENG, Former president of General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macao

5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): KOU HOI IN, President of Legislative Assembly of Macao Special Administrative RegionSTORYLINE:In less than a week, Macao will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland, which ended centuries of Portuguese occupation.Since 1999, it has been governed under the "one country, two systems" policy -- a unique arrangement that allows it to maintain its capitalist system and way of life within socialist China.Over the past quarter century, the "one country, two systems" policy has driven Macao's rapid economic growth.Once known as a "casino city" and a frequent backdrop for gangster films, Macao has transformed into a bustling hub, celebrated for its economic vitality, low crime rates, and exceptional public welfare. This year, Forbes magazine ranked Macao the second-richest place on Earth, trailing only Luxembourg.SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): IO HONG MENG, Former president of General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macao

"Social security has greatly improved (since Macao's return to the motherland). Now Macao can be said to be one of the safest places (in the world). In terms of the economy, the growth of GDP is more obvious. The Macao SAR's GDP has soared from just over MOP 50 billion in the year of its return in 1999 to MOP 300-400 billion in 2023 (1 MOP=0.12 USD). As for the average monthly income of Macao citizens, in 1999, it was around MOP 4,900 per month, and jumped to over MOP 17,000 in 2023, reaching MOP 18,000 this year. So the changes have been substantial."In July, China unveiled a new reform package, highlighting the need to harness the institutional strengths of the "one country, two systems" and facilitate the active roles of Hong Kong and Macao in the opening up of the whole country.SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): IO HONG MENG, Former president of General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macao

"Many preferential policies provided by the central government to Macao have promoted the special administrative region's development. The future development of Macao has brighter prospects. I believe Macao will make even greater achievements."SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): KOU HOI IN, President of Legislative Assembly of Macao Special Administrative Region

"We hope to better integrate Macao into the overall development of our country, further enhance its economy, and ensure that Macao residents experience a stronger sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security."Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Macao, China.

(XHTV)