Salient economy

Macao has been a special administrative region in China since its return to the motherland in 1999. 

Under the "One Country, Two Systems," Macao keeps its capitalist system and its connection with the rest of China.

It has its own currency, government, judiciary and police.

Although it is still a capitalist economy, Macao's economy is not a laissez-faire model. Supported and encouraged by the central government, Macao's government has made efforts to open its economy, train its residents and improve social benefits.

After returning to the motherland, this place is getting richer – way richer.

Last year the GDP was around 54 billion U.S. dollars.

The GDP per capita is over 80,000 U.S. dollars.

According to the IMF, by 2020, Macao will be the richest place in the world.

But Macao's ambitions go beyond being "Asia's Las Vegas."

Bold visions

It wants to become one of the best resort cities.

It wants to create talents and technology.

It wants to bridge China and Europe.

And most importantly, it wants to be a successful Chinese city.

Over the past two decades, it has thrived under the "One Country, Two Systems." It enacted national security legislation, it had "patriots" in leadership positions and it sings the Chinese national anthem with pride. Macao celebrates a modus vivendi with Beijing.

People in Macao know their destiny is shaped by their geography and history. And they want to make the best of it.

Script: Zou Yue

Video editors: Yan Qin, Liu Shasha

Designer: Ma Shaoyan

Producer: Bi Jianlu

Supervisor: Mei Yan

Zoom In with Zou Yue for Macao - Part One: Macao & Hong Kong: A tale of two cities 

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