MACAO -- President Xi Jinping said that over the past 20 years Macao has achieved the best ever development in history.

The president attributed the achievement to the concerted effort made by the Macao Special Administrative Region government together with people from all walks of life, the support of the central government and the mainland, as well as the leadership of Ho Hau-wah and Chui Sai-on.

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

Macao's economy has grown by leaps and bounds since its return to the motherland, with its per capita GDP soaring to the world's second highest, President Xi said.

He said Macao has firmly established a constitutional order based on the Constitution and the Basic Law, and improved its governing system since its return to the motherland in 1999.

The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) has ensured the central authorities exercise overall jurisdiction while accurately implementing the high degree of autonomy, Xi said.

Macao's efforts to appropriately diversify its economy have delivered early results, President Xi said, citing flourishing emerging industries such as exhibition and convention, traditional Chinese medicine and special finance.

Macao has become one of the safest cities in the world as its notorious public security was reversed quickly after its return to the motherland, Xi said.

President Xi said Macao residents widely enjoy law-based rights and freedom, as the Macao Special Administrative Region has seen a orderly development in its democratic political system.