Twenty-five years after its return to China, Macao has transformed into a glittering global hub 🏙️, with President Xi Jinping calling it “a pearl on the palm” of the nation during his visit to mark the milestone. The SAR’s GDP skyrocketed from $6.8 billion in 1999 to $47.5 billion in 2023 – proof of its economic glow-up 💹.
From Humble Roots to Global Spotlight
Over 2.8 billion cross-border trips have been made between Macao and neighboring Zhuhai since 1999, with checkpoints expanding from 2 to 7 🚗💨. The Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone, launched in 2021, now hosts 6,500 Macao-linked businesses, fueling innovation like a tech-savvy dragon 🐉🔥.
A Model of ‘One Country, Two Systems’
Xi praised Macao’s success as a triumph of collaboration, blending local hustle with national support 🤝. “This is the glory of Macao residents and the pride of all Chinese people,” he said, envisioning an even brighter future for the SAR.
What’s Next?
During his trip, Xi will attend Friday’s inauguration of Macao’s new government and explore the 33-sq-km region. Spoiler alert: Expect more integration wins as Macao leverages its unique role in China’s growth story 🚀.
