MACAO - Macao has made great achievements in economic and social development over the past 15 years, which is attributable to the full and correct implementation of the principle of "one country, two systems" and the Basic Law, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Friday evening.

"Today, we see a vibrant, stable and harmonious Macao by the South China Sea with a brand new look," said the president who is here for celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.

He said Macao's success is also credited to the unity and hard work of the government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), the Macao compatriots, and the strong backing of the central government and people of all ethnic groups in China.

Macao, now the masters of their own lives, can definitely unite as one, make unremitting efforts and do a good job in building their homeland under the principles of "one country, two systems", "Macao people administering Macao" and a high degree of autonomy, he said at a welcoming dinner.

These progress and achievements fully demonstrate the strong vitality of the great concept of "one country, two systems," Xi said.

At the same time, he said, "we are well aware that the practice of 'one country, two systems,' an undertaking with no precedent, will not be plain sailing.

"While scoring remarkable progress and achievements, Macao has its own share of problems to handle and faces numerous difficulties and challenges that must be properly managed."

The important issue for Macao at present and for some time in the future is "how it can make greater progress on the basis of its achievements in the last 15 years and maintain long-term prosperity and stability."

For Macao to continue to break waves and sail forward, this issue must be properly addressed, he stressed.

"The more progress we make, the more enterprising we become," said the president.

One saying in Macao has it that a table is not big enough to put on a good show. But, said Xi, what Macao has achieved in the past 15 years since its return proves that with the right path, good policies, flexible moves and concerted efforts, "a great show can unfold even on a table."

"Encouraged by Macao's progress and achievements, we have every reason to feel confident. But we should also be keenly aware of the new changes taking place both in and outside Macao. We need to see things from a holistic perspective and work together to build on what has been achieved."

He pointed out that the mainland is currently in a crucial stage of endeavor to complete the building of a society of initial prosperity in all respects, comprehensively deepen reform and promote the rule of law.

This has provided tremendous opportunities and broad space for Macao's development, Xi said.

"Opportunity waits for no one," said the president, calling on the Macao compatriots to make the best of the institutional advantages of "one country, two systems," seize the opportunities presented by the development of the motherland.

He urged the Macao people to get on board the motherland's "train of reform and development," making solid efforts to achieve sustained and sound economic and social development in the region.

President Xi will attend an anniversary celebration gathering and the inauguration of the SAR's fourth-term government on Saturday.