Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping arrived here Saturday morning, kicking off a two-day inspection tour.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping arrived here Saturday morning, kicking off a two-day inspection tour.

It was Xi's first visit to the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) since he assumed the office of vice president in March 2008.

He was greeted by Macao SAR Chief Executive Ho Hau Wah and other SAR government officials.

The main purpose of the two-day visit is to meet local residents, inspire them to tide over the global financial crisis and congratulate Macao on its 10th anniversary of returning to the motherland, Xi told the press at the Gongbei checkpoint, which connects Macao with neighboring mainland city Zhuhai.

Macao will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its return to the motherland in December 2009.

"Since its return to the motherland, Macao has made eye-catching achievements in various fields," Xi said, "The central government is deeply concerned about the impact of the global financial crisis on Macao's economy and the livelihood of local people."

"During this tour, I would like to visit as many places and people as possible within a limited period of time, experience the profound changes of Macao since its return and have first-hand knowledge of the current situation of local economy and people's livelihood," he said.

Xi also asked the press to convey his regards to the people of Macao.

The vice president was scheduled to make an inspection tour of the East Asian Games Stadium, the Ruins of St. Paul's, the Macao Museum and other places. He will deliver a speech at a welcoming banquet held by the Macao SAR government.

(Xinhua News Agency January 10, 2009)