Both Macao media and residents in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) are speaking highly of the SAR's economic progress and positive changes in all fields since December 20, 1999, the day China resumed its exercise of sovereignty over Macao, ending a centuries-old humiliation of the Chinese nation.

Over the past year, Macao has achieved social stability and order, a rebounding economy, and a fast-developing tourism industry which would lead to a record number of tourist arrivals of 8 million in 2000.

It is widely held by public opinion that the president's tour, scheduled on December 19-21, is of great and far-reaching significance and will be welcomed by the SAR government and the people of Macao.

The visit, which indicates the central government's care and support to the Macao SAR and appreciation for Macao's progress over the past year, is expected to make the Macao people more confident to implement the principles of "one country, two systems, " "Macao people governing Macao," and a high degree of autonomy, according to the public opinion here.

Macao Daily News and Journal "Va Kio" (Huaqiao Journal) have both highlighted the president's tour by publishing welcoming slogans on top of the front page and the calendar of Jiang's stay in Macao, and reported the SAR government's well-planned preparations for Jiang's inspection trip.

Ma Man Kei, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Chui Sai Cheong, a vice president of the Executive Council of the Promotive Council for the Basic Law of Macao, both showed their eagerness for Jiang's visit at local gatherings here.

Lei Hong, president of the Macao Association of the Neighborhood Communities, said local residents are quite satisfied with the SAR's progress over the past year and are ready for a grand welcome for the visiting president, in hopes that Jiang could see the positive changes in Macao with his own eyes.

Not far from the Forum, one of the major venues for last year's handover activities and this year's anniversary celebrations, some blue-collar workers were busy making a large, red banner with welcoming words for the president. One of the workers told Xinhua that people in Macao are very happy to hear that Jiang will attend the anniversary celebrations.

"The return is really good," he said. "The SAR government has been keeping its swearing-in pledges and doing a good job in fulfilling its duties." Everything is improving here, he said, noting that he now feels much safer going in the streets and enjoys a higher income. "Welcome President Jiang and I like president," he said repeatedly.

At the Leal Senado Square, the cultural and political center of Macao, floral baskets and red banners are seen everywhere. A shopping carnival, entitling "Celebrate the Return Anniversary and Greet the New Century," is going on in the surrounding commercial streets which are filled with shoppers and tourists.

Large red lanterns and banners are hanging on the Long Cheng Edifice, the temporary barrack for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Macao SAR Garrison troops, to add a more festive mood to the one-year old SAR.

(Xinhua 12/18/2000)