Reporter’s dairy –18 years of Macao

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The Macao Special Administrative Region is turning 18 – an age considered to be adulthood. As China's first and last European colony, Macao was under Portuguese rule for over 400 years until it returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1999.

The past 18 years have witnessed an economic wonder in the city, with GDP rising nearly seven-fold, from 6.5 billion US dollars in 1999 to nearly 45 billion in 2016.

The Ruins of St Paul's, Macao’s most famous landmark /CGTN Photo

Macao is a charming city where East meets West with both Chinese tradition and Portuguese culture being preserved here.

With the support of the Chinese mainland, it has quickly risen to be a cosmopolitan city. Analysts say all these contribute to the success of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy.

Egg tart is a favorite snack. /CGTN Photo

While residents can enjoy delicious Portuguese-style egg tarts, they are also benefiting from the central government’s supporting policies.

Since the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement was signed in 2003, trade relations between Macao and the mainland have been strengthened greatly.

Since the central government approved the liberalization of casino licensing in 2002, the gaming industry has brought Macao huge economic profits and job opportunities. A recent poll shows that over 80 percent of the residents say they are proud to be Chinese.

Grand Lisboa Casino, one of the most famous casinos in Macao /VCG Photo

“During the past 18 years, Macao people stood up, and grew stronger. With our nation’s powerful backing, our capability to resist economic risks has been greatly strengthened,” said Leong Vai Tac, Secretary of Economy and Finance of Macao.