The senior Beijing official overseeing Macau affairs has expressed the central government's full support for Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai's administration, acknowledging its "good start" since taking office in December.

Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, is in the casino hub for a six-day visit to learn more about the work of the SAR government under Sam.

The Beijing official held a meeting with Macau's leader on Friday morning, according to a statement issued by the city's government.

The Macau administration said Xia praised the authorities for following through the important remarks made by President Xi Jinping during his visit last year marking the 25th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland.

"The policy directives unveiled by the SAR government last month demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and were comprehensive in content. The central government gives its recognition and full support," it quoted Xia as saying.

Sam, for his part, vowed to continue unite all sectors in society to forge ahead and promote high-quality development in Macau.

On the second day of the Beijing official's trip, he also met Macau's first three chief executives – Edmund Ho, Fernando Chui and Ho Iat-seng – as well as representatives from chambers and associations.

The senior mainland official arrived in Macau on Thursday. It's the third year in a row that Xia has made an inspection trip to the SAR.
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Last updated: 2025-05-09 HKT 21:22