The director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council, Wang Guangya, arrived in Macau yesterday for a three-day working visit.

Yesterday, Mr Wang paid visits to hotel-casinos Grand Lisboa and Galaxy Macau.

This was an unusual move as usually Beijing officials opt to stay away from casinos during their official trips to Macau.

Meeting with chief executive Fernando Chui Sai On, Mr Wang said that his government “had worked tirelessly and proactively, and had a good beginning,” according to a press release.

Mr Wang said the Macau government had acted proactively in different areas, such as in enhancing the livelihood of the people and maintaining social stability, and that the central government had a positive appraisal towards the work of Mr Chui and his team.