Sam Hou-fai, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, on Thursday pledged to speed up enhancing governance efficiency and strengthening economic diversification, calling on all fronts to unite in harnessing opportunities from national development to collaboratively “break new ground” for the city’s greater prosperity and stability.
Sam made the remarks in a statement shortly after attending the opening of the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing.
He thanked the central government for the “consistent, great importance” it attached to Macao’s long-term stability and growth — a commitment he credited with providing a “fundamental guarantee” for the city to counter risks, diversify its economy, and improve people’s livelihoods.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, in delivering the latest Government Work Report, told the meeting that Hong Kong and Macao must further enhance governance efficiency in accordance with the law, and that the nation is steadfastly committed to the “one country, two systems” policy, under which the people of both SARs administer their affairs with a high degree of autonomy.
The Premier added that Hong Kong and Macao should capitalize on their unique, strategic positioning — backed by the rest of the country and connected to the world — to deepen their integration into, and contribution to, the nation’s overall development.
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Sam described the central government authorities’ support as the “bedrock” of Macao’s long-term growth.
Eyeing to proactively get in line with the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), he said his administration will adopt “higher standing, broader vision and more substantive measures” to make good use of the city’s strengths under the “one country, two systems” policy and its unique East-meets-West cultural standing in future bids to bolster the city’s overall competitiveness.
Macao will play an active role in advancing the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Belt and Road initiative, and drive the growth of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin with greater effort, Sam said.
He added that Macao plans to broaden and deepen its economic diversification, with strategic industries — from modern finance and traditional Chinese medicine-driven big health to technological innovation, Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions, trade, and cultural tourism — paving the way for the SAR’s industrial upgrading.
Contact the writer at wanqing@chinadailyhk.com
