MACAO — Premier Li Keqiang continued his inspection in Macao on Oct 11, urging Macao to seize development opportunities and improve people’s lives for a better future.

Accompanied by Chui Sai On, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Premier Li visited Macao Museum, city landmarks, shops, a family and a school on the afternoon of Oct 11.

While at Macao Museum, Premier Li saw an exhibition on the city’s history and diverse cultures. Upon seeing a map of Macao that covered its position as an ancient trade hub between Europe and Asia, and its strong links to the maritime Silk Road, the Premier urged Macao to seize the opportunity of the Belt and Road Initiative and enhance its unique advantages through further opening up.

The Premier went to the Mount Fortress, which overlooks the Macao Peninsula. At the adjacent ruins of St. Paul’s, a World Heritage site, he was greeted by locals and tourists, and posed for photos with them.

“The beautiful Macao is where Chinese and Western cultures converge and a landmark for the successful practice of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle,” Premier Li said. “I am confident that Macao will have a bright future thanks to the concerted efforts of all its citizens.”

Premier Li visited a family and asked about their extended family, their jobs and the pensions assigned to their older relatives. The Premier said he was delighted to see they were happy and encouraged the kids to pursue their dreams.

At Keang Peng School, one of the oldest schools in Macao, the Premier listened to a report on Macao’s education development and watched robots and environment-friendly products made by pupils in a laboratory. He encouraged the students to be innovative and enhance their practical ability.

The Premier said he hoped all the students will pursue innovation and excellence and pass down the tradition of “love the country, love Macao”. The pupils presented handmade souvenirs to the Premier when he left the school.

While inspecting the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the world’s longest cross-sea bridge, Premier Li said it will significantly improve the transportation network of the Pan-Pearl River Delta region.

The Premier visited several shops and bought local pastries at Rua do Cunha, famous for its baked goods.

With its unique history, culture and geographical advantage as well as rich tourism resources, Macao can attract more inland and global tourists as long as it continues to improve its environment and service industry to elevate it into a world tourism and leisure center, said Premier Li.

Earlier on Oct 11, Premier Li attended the opening ceremony of the fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

The Premier arrived in Macao on Oct 10.