MACAO -- President Xi Jinping on Friday expressed the hope that the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government will keep apace with the times and improve governance of the SAR.

He called for steady efforts to improve the set of institutions for the law-based governance of Macao and ensure that the decision making by the government is well-conceived and public services are efficient.

Xi made the remarks while addressing a gathering in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.

President Xi urged Macao to focus on selected aspects and projects based on the region's conditions and well-conceived procedures to appropriately diversify its economy.

Macao should grasp the opportunity brought by the building of the Belt and Road and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Xi said.

He stressed cooperation between Macao and neighboring Zhuhai for the development of Hengqin.

President Xi called for further efforts to improve people's wellbeing in Macao.

Xi called for further efforts to promote social harmony and stability in Macao.