广播听力:Macao Embraces Improving Economy and Democracy over Past Decade

Now, the lead up to the 10th anniversary of Macao's return to China, is well underway. Macao, an enclave of Portugal for around 400 years, returned to China 10 years ago. The Macao Special Administrative Region, or Macao SAR, established in 1999, has witnessed rapid economic development and noticeably improved public security and democracy over the past decade. Our reporter Zhangcheng has more.

Ten years ago, Edmund Ho Hau Wah, became the first chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region. (www.hXen.com)

His taking office wasn't easy at that time, because Macao's economy had faced negative growth for four consecutive years imposing big challenges for him.

However, since its return to China, Macao's GDP has performed a huge u-turn, with a year-on-year increase of over 15 percent.

Recalling the past decade, Ho Hau Wah said the achievements couldn't have been made without the support of the central government.

"The central government's moves, including promoting mainland individual's trips to Macao, signing closer economic partnership arrangements, and measures helping Macao out of the global financial tsunami, have all contributed to the region's economic growth and social stability. More importantly, the ce