In Macao, proud to be Chinese
- Source: Global Times
- [01:47 December 21 2009]
- Comments
10 milestones in Macao
Handover
The city was returned to China on December 20, 1999. The nation gained sovereignty over the SAR.
Opening of the gaming industry
Ending the monopoly of the sector and attracting overseas operators to invest in the city. Some 31 casinos are operating in the city.
Individual travelers scheme
The mainland first allowed tourists to go to the city as individual travelers in July 2003.
Signing of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA)
Mainland authority signed the arrangement with Macao on October 29, 2003, strengthening economic ties between the city and the mainland.
Fifth anniversary of handover
President Hu Jintao visited the city for the first time.
Arrest and imprisonment of former public works chief
Former Secretary for Transport and Public Works Ao Man Long was sentenced to 27 years in jail for 40 counts of bribe taking.
University of Macau expands on Hengqin Island
The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress passed the bill on June 27, 2009 to give Macao jurisdiction over 1.09 square kilometers of land on the island, which belonged to Zhuhai city, for university expansion.
Third Chief Executive election
Former Secretary for Social and Cultural Affairs Fernando Chui Sai-on was elected SAR Chief Executive on July 26, 2009.
Reclamation
The State Council approved a plan by the city to reclaim 361.65 hectares of land in November for new urban development. The reclamation will increase the city's land size by 12.3 percent.
Construction of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge
Construction of the world's longest cross-sea bridge linking China's southern economic hub of Guangdong Province to Hong Kong and Macao began December 15.
Global Times – Agencies
