In an editorial marking the third anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, the paper noted that the SAR government have met one challenge after another and scored all kinds of achievements, showing a sound growth momentum.

In the first year after Macao's hand-over, the government focused on consolidating social and economic basis and seek development opportunities, while in the following year, efforts were exerted to help the disadvantaged people, liberalize the gaming industry and create a new economic environment.

And this year, a clear development strategy has been set for Macao, and the SAR is stepping forward in an all-round way, the paper noted, adding that the government's policies are "pragmatic."

The most influential newspaper in Macao, however, also mentioned the difficulties faced by the SAR government, such as how to maintain good public order after the opening of the gambling industry and let the economic recovery benefit all the industries, instead of the gaming industry alone.

The paper emphasized that the "One Country, Two Systems" principle is a great success in Macao and only backed by the motherland can Macao release its own strength and sharpen the competitive edge globally.

The "One Country, Two Systems" principle can definitely be implemented in Taiwan as well, it said, citing that Macao can be a "catalyst" in national reunification since daily links between Macao and Taiwan are frequent.

(Xinhua News Agency December 20, 2002)