MACAO -- China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government held a flag-raising ceremony and a National Day reception on Wednesday to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The flag-raising ceremony took place at 8 am at Macao's Golden Lotus Square. A flag escort team carried the national flag and the flag of the Macao SAR into the square. As the national anthem was played, attendees stood solemnly while the flags were raised.

The reception took place at 9:30 am at the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform Complex. In his speech, Macao SAR Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai noted that overall this year, Macao's economic and social development has been stable and progressing, moving toward a new phase of high-quality growth following recovery.

He highlighted the smooth completion of the Legislative Assembly election, the successful hosting of major events such as the national security education exhibition and the commemoration of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, which contributed to safeguarding harmony and stability in Macao.

Sam emphasized that since taking office, his administration has been committed to implementing new concepts and mechanisms in governance, advancing economic diversification and integrated development between Macao and Hengqin, and improving social welfare and urban development.