Owing to motherland support, Macao residents' livelihoods greatly improved

Since its return to China 25 years ago, the Macao Special Administrative Region's (SAR) economy, society, and public welfare have undergone dramatic changes, with per capita GDP increasing from $15,000 in 1999 to $69,000 in 2023, making it one of the wealthiest regions in the world. Wong Tin, the owner of a time-honored eatery in the Macao SAR, spoke with CGTN host Xu Qinduo. He said people's livelihoods in the SAR have improved greatly over the past decades, thanks to the strong support from the mainland. He pointed to the large number of mainland tourists who have been visiting Macao and contributing greatly to the city's economic growth. "The Hotel Lisboa was built with Hong Kong dollars from Hong Kong people, and the Grand Lisboa is built with RMB from mainland compatriots," he said.