Macao, mainland's 20-year journey of shared development

A flag-raising ceremony is held at the Hou Kong Middle School in Macao, south China, Nov. 18, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

Sense of belonging

Ordinary residents stand to gain from Macao's rapid development. The per capita GDP of the region reached about 83,000 U.S. dollars in 2018.

The unemployment rate remained steady at 1.8 percent, according to the latest official statistics.

Life expectancy has reached 84 years, among the highest in the world.

The growing sense of gain nurtures a stronger sense of belonging, but even more important is the success of patriotic education. The core values of "loving the country and Macao" are taking root.

Schemes and programs were developed to encourage Macao students to learn about Chinese history, cultural traditions and laws to gain a deeper understanding of their country.

Many schools use textbooks published through collaborations between mainland and Macao institutions. At all levels of education in Macao, from primary schools to colleges and universities, the national flag flies high.

More Macao students have enrolled in mainland universities and colleges. In 2019 alone, 30.9 percent of Macao's high school graduates chose to pursue higher education on the mainland.

"Studying on the mainland, our students can even better witness the development of the motherland," said Kou Kam Fai, principal of Pui Ching Middle School.

Macao Peninsula in south China, Nov. 18, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

Giving back

Paulina Pereira Che, who grew up in a Chinese-Portuguese family, witnessed Macao's transformation from a small city to a world leisure center after its return to the motherland.

She is now a senior manager of an international resort and hospitality enterprise in Macao in charge of meetings and exhibitions.

"At the beginning, we only hosted small meetings with 50 attendants. Now the number is in the thousands for a single event," she said.

With the idea of giving back in mind, she helped a girl from a poor family in Congjiang, Guizhou Province continue her education. Her contribution is part of a collective effort.

Macao has been a partner of Congjiang in poverty alleviation since 2018. The Macao SAR government has provided financial and material assistance to the county, and particularly helped train local teachers.

Macao also has rich experience in community service and elderly care.

The General Union of Macao Residents Associations is cooperating with counterparts in Guangdong to improve their community and senior care service for mainland residents.

Macao is also playing unique roles as a platform for commercial and trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries and a key city along the Maritime Silk Road under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries was established in Macao in 2003. Five ministerial meetings under the framework have been held.

Macao, in the meantime, is actively diversifying its economy to develop its conference and exhibition industry, financial industry, traditional Chinese medicine industry and cultural and creative industry.

It is emerging as a world center of tourism and leisure, receiving 35.8 million visitors in 2018, a leap from fewer than 8 million in 1999.

"As of today, the basic structure of a moderately diversified economy has taken shape in Macao," said Leong Vai Tac, secretary for economy and finance of Macao.

"We hope the central government and various departments will continue their support for Macao," said Ho Iat Seng, incoming chief executive of the Macao SAR. "Macao will also strive to make bigger contributions to the country's development."