He says its people possess the wisdom to properly manage and develop the city President Hu Jintao yesterday held up Macau Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau-wah's rule as a model of 'one country, two systems'. While acknowledging there were difficulties with such a 'pioneering' arrangement, Mr Hu said Macau's local leaders were excelling in autonomy. 'Implementation [of the principle] has proven that the people of Macau possess entirely the wisdom, the ability and the means to properly administer, build and develop Macau,' Mr Hu said. His comments came as Mr Ho was sworn in for his second five-year term during the president's first visit to the former Portuguese-ruled enclave. Amid the praise, Mr Hu acknowledged difficulties. 'Since 'one country, two systems' is a new matter, we will inevitably come across some conflict in its implementation,' he said. He also hailed Macau's recent boom as an example of how 'one country, two systems' could bring economic benefits. 'Implementation [of the principle] has proven that the great socialist motherland has always been a staunch supporter of Macau's development,' Mr Hu said as he summarised a series of projects which benefited Macau due to its close ties with the mainland. Mr Hu cited examples including the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, the individual traveller programme, the cross-border Macau-Zhuhai industrial park and Macau's co-operation with the pan-Pearl River Delta region. While it was no surprise that Mr Hu congratulated Macau on its economic success, he also outlined four 'suggestions' for the city - all in a markedly different tone to his concerns over Hong Kong. Firstly, Macau should improve its administrative abilities. 'The government should be diligent, corruption-free and effective in providing quality services to the people,' Mr Hu said. He also reminded Macau to ensure the sustainability and health of its economic growth. 'Despite Macau's fast-paced development in recent years, deep-rooted problems and conflict have persisted,' he said. 'The government should plan far ahead, consolidating its existing advantages, working hard to produce a new point of growth and reinforcing its development momentum.' Mr Hu then urged Macau to invest heavily in education. He also stressed the importance of maintaining unity. 'Regardless of social strata, profession, ideology or religion, [Macau people] can unite under the banner of loving China and Macau, and for the sake of a prosperous and stable Macau in the long term.' Mr Ho gave a speech immediately before Mr Hu, saying Macau must 'prepare for rainy days'.
