The chief executive of Macao on Saturday underscored the need for the special administrative region to stay committed to the fundamental thinking of being “mindful of potential danger in times of peace” and bear in mind at all times that safeguarding national security is the first principle.

“Security is the premise for development, and development is the cornerstone of security,” Sam Hou-fai said while addressing a reception at the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform Complex to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the establishment of the SAR.

It is necessary to uphold strong defense of national sovereignty, security, and development interests, fully implement the principle of “patriots administering Macao”, and consolidate the foundation of patriotism for the country and for Macao, he added.

IN PICTURES: Macao SAR turns 26

Sam called for concerted effort to build a Macao with more efficient governance, sounder democracy and rule of law, a more dynamic economy, more prominence for the charm of its culture, greater refinement in social governance, and better public welfare services.

He stressed the need to closely adhere to President Xi Jinping’s important instructions in order to align Macao further with national development strategies, draw up and implement better policies for the Third Five-Year Plan for Social and Economic Development (2026-2030) of the MSAR, advance national rejuvenation, and strive for greater achievements for Macao.

Speaking about his recent duty visit to Beijing, he said President Xi gave full recognition to the fresh achievements made jointly by the MSAR government and all sectors across society, while also offering his encouragement and guidance.

Stressing the need for the SAR government to unite and lead all sectors across society in order diligently study and resolutely implement important instructions of President Xi and major strategic decisions made by the central authorities, Sam said Macao must uphold the value of integrity, innovate, and strive in unanimity, to break new ground for the high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” principle.

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Macao will firmly and resolutely accelerate administrative reform, build a modernized legal system, solidify the fundamentals of primary governance, fully enhance governance capacity at the local level, and build a service-oriented government that demonstrates “integrity, efficiency, and proactiveness”, he said.

The SAR will work to ensure the effective implementation of the plans for appropriate economic diversification, intensify policy support and capital investment for the establishment of the government-led industrial and guidance funds, progressively accelerate the four major construction projects, and promote economic diversification to yield tangible breakthroughs, he said.

The CE also underscored the need to accurately grasp the strategic positioning of “Macao + Hengqin” and pragmatically expedite the construction of the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

The MSAR government must work harder not only to draw international high-caliber talent, but also to convince that Macao truly becomes a hub for the free flow of innovative ideas and talent drawn both from the immediate community, and from across the globe, he said.

With the fundamental objective of development to ensure citizens’ well-being and prosperity, Macao is doing its best to deliver practical benefits to the public by paying attention to their daily necessities, he said.

Targeted policies will be rolled out in the coming year to highlight the people-oriented principle in governance, said the CE, adding that Macao will concentrate on the protection of its residents’ employment opportunities and rights, improve social security and welfare services, and refine housing policies and distribution of medical resources.

The SAR government will accelerate the building of a "smart" and livable city by ensuring smoother flow of traffic, and greater convenience in everyday life, he added.

Sam said Macao will consistently create conditions and provide platforms for young people to showcase their talents, and to help them achieve their personal dreams in the development of the city, which will help Macao’s integration into, and contribution to, national development.

Among dignitaries attending the reception were Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Edmund Ho Hau-wah, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the MSAR Zheng Xincong, former CE Ho Iat-seng, Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the MSAR Liu Xianfa, Commander of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Macao Garrison Yu Changjiang, President of the Legislative Assembly Cheong Weng-chon, and President of the Court of Final Appeal Song Man-lei.

Earlier in the morning, the CE, principal officials of the SAR government, officials of central government organizations stationed in Macao, senior representatives of the PLA Macao Garrison and people from various sectors of the community attend a flag-raising ceremony at the Golden Lotus Square earlier in the morning to mark the occasion.

To celebrate the 26th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR and stimulate consumer activity, the SAR government is collaborating with the United Association of Food and Beverage Merchants of Macao and the Industry and Commerce Association of Macau to launch a dine-in discount campaign from Saturday to Monday.

After collecting promotional coupons via designated mobile payment apps, consumers can enjoy a 30-percent discount for dine-in meals at more than 500 participating restaurants across the city through electronic payments.