MACAO -- China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) will progressively implement policies on reform and opening up of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin of Zhuhai city, which is just across Macao, said Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Ho Iat Seng on Friday.

Macao will seize the opportunities and join hands with neighboring Guangdong Province to develop Hengqin in a down-to-earth and sound manner, Ho said at a reception marking the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Stressing that the motherland is the firm backing for Macao's prosperity and stability, Ho said Macao should continue to actively participate in major national development strategies and continuously enhance its functions of facilitating domestic circle of the country's internal market and promoting the dual circulation of domestic and international markets.

In the face of complex changes in internal and external environments and new trends, Macao will resolutely implement the principles of "one country, two systems," and "Macao people administering Macao" with a high degree of autonomy to advance the development of the SAR's various causes, Ho said.

Earlier Friday morning, Ho and about 100 other guests attended a flag-raising ceremony held at the Golden Lotus Square.