Photo: Xinhua

After 20 years of return to China, Macao has made big social and economic achievements.

Macao once had a frail economy, with negative GDP growth for four consecutive years from 1996 to 1999. Twenty years after China resumed exercise of sovereignty over Macao, the Chinese central government has spared no effort in supporting the city's development. Macao's economy has reportedly been growing at an annual average rate of more than 10 percent, with a per capita income now ranking among the highest in the world. 

The achievements can be partly attributed to the city's proactive integration with the Chinese mainland.

Taking advantage of being part of the mainland, Macao has adjusted its social and economic structures and has smoothly integrated into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). 

On June 4, 2009, the State Council formally approved the overall development plan for Hengqin Island, incorporated the island into the scope of Zhuhai Special Economic Zone, and agreed, in principle, on the relocation of the University of Macau to Hengqin Island in Zhuhai. 

On June 27, 2009, the Chinese National People's Congress decided that "the government of Macao Special Administrative Region obtains the land-use right of the new campus of the University of Macau on Hengqin Island by means of leasing," stated the official website of Hengqin. Hengqin has thus been regarded as a new model area of cooperative development with Macao under the "one country, two systems" principle. 

In the GBA, Hengqin has provided fresh opportunities for Macao to integrate with the mainland. In a bid to learn from the country's development experience, Macao has also encouraged entrepreneurial groups and young people to develop their business in the mainland.

Thanks to mainland's vast market and a fast-growing economy, and central government's support to Macao's development, the city's tourism, catering and exhibition sectors have grown rapidly. Especially since the Individual Visit Scheme, which allowed mainland travelers to visit Hong Kong and Macao on an individual basis, was introduced in 2003, Macao's economy has seen new dynamism, with local residents' living standards improving steadily, and the city's social welfare system receiving a fillip. 

In terms of implementing "one country, two systems" principle, Macao has performed well in terms of adhering to "one country," developing a good training program for civil servants and maintaining political loyalty to the central government.

The riots in Hong Kong have been raging for about half a year, while Macao, which also develops under the framework of the "one country, two systems" principle, has been peaceful. What are the differences between the two special administrative regions under the same governing rule?

First, Hong Kong and Macao have gone through different histories. Hong Kong has been deeply affected by the West. When Portuguese were governing Macao, they failed to establish an integrated and sound governance system unlike what British people did in Hong Kong. 

Second, Macao has seen stronger patriotism than Hong Kong. After its return, Macao has been maintaining close interaction with the mainland.

Hiccups in Macao's development cannot be denied. For example, its economy tends to rest on the gambling industry, which is not an indicator of a healthy economic system. In addition, the gap between the rich and the poor in the city is a concern, which needs to be addressed. 

The recent riots in Hong Kong can act as an alarm bell to Macao. Residents in Macao should be aware that social disorder is detrimental for everyone. 

The city should keep sticking to "one country, two systems" principle, deepen exchanges with the mainland and ensure people's well-being. 

The author is a research fellow of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and a member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong & Macao Studies. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn