🎧 Listen to This Article
Macao Aligns with Beijing’s Vision: 7 Strategic Goals Unveiled After Top-Level Inspection
Macao’s Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai has announced a comprehensive commitment to the “four expectations” outlined by Xia Baolong, Director of both the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, during a six-day inspection of the city.
At a press conference at Government Headquarters, Sam pledged the MSAR Government’s complete alignment with national strategic objectives, reaffirming Macao’s role as a key actor in implementing the “One Country, Two Systems” principle with “Macao characteristics.”
Xia Baolong’s Visit: A Strategic Review of Macao’s Developmental Path
Director Xia conducted an intensive six-day tour that included:
- High-level meetings with Macao’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches
- Field visits to over 10 strategic sites, including the Hengqin Cooperation Zone, cultural heritage landmarks, education hubs, and major infrastructure projects
- Engagements with representatives from industry, youth, and civic sectors
The visit reflected Beijing’s increasing attention to Macao’s integration into the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and national economic and strategic frameworks.
Seven Key Areas of Strategic Focus for Macao
Chief Executive Sam outlined seven priority areas that the Macao SAR Government will focus on to execute the guidance received:
1. Crisis Awareness & Economic Diversification
Macao’s heavy reliance on gaming revenues has left it vulnerable. With external geopolitical uncertainty and regional competition in tourism increasing, Sam stressed urgent diversification of Macao’s economic base.
“Our over-reliance on a single revenue stream weakens our shock resilience,” said Sam. “This reality must be confronted.”
2. Mobilising the Business Sector for National Development
The government is calling on Macao’s industrial and commercial sectors to align more closely with national interests and local development plans, particularly regarding Hengqin and foreign market expansion.
3. Accelerating Development of the “Macao + Hengqin” Cooperation Zone
Sam reiterated that Hengqin’s development is central to Macao’s future, citing President Xi Jinping’s three evaluation criteria:
- Tangible economic diversification,
- Effective reform and innovation,
- Deep integration across infrastructure and societal exchanges.
4. Expanding Macao’s Global Engagement
Using Macao’s linguistic and cultural links to Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking nations, the MSAR aims to deepen international trade ties, particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, while promoting China’s narratives abroad.
5. Advancing Four Major Infrastructure Projects
Though unnamed, these projects are said to align with:
- National development strategies
- Urban renewal
- Cultural and tourism integration
- Industrial restructuring
These will be advanced through phased implementation and strategic resource allocation.
6. Strengthening Patriotic Associations
Patriotic and love-for-Macao groups will receive structural and leadership reforms to expand influence, improve political engagement, and enhance community service delivery. These groups are viewed as a stabilizing force within civil society.
7. Youth Development and Support
Youth inclusion remains a strategic priority. Measures will include:
- Entrepreneurship incentives
- Improved education-to-employment pathways
- Direct responses to concerns raised by young professionals during Xia’s visit
“One Country, Two Systems”: A Renewed Commitment
“The MSAR will fully implement the principles of ‘Macao people governing Macao’ and a high degree of autonomy’ in a way that accurately reflects the intent of the Central Authorities,” said Sam.
He emphasized that Macao’s future lies in:
- Deeper integration with national policies
- Systematic implementation of directives from Beijing
- Cross-sectoral collaboration
Key Takeaways from Q&A with Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai
During the press conference, Sam addressed several forward-looking questions, revealing the following insights:
- Maritime Zone Planning: Efforts are underway to improve management and strategic use of Macao’s surrounding waters.
- Cultural Tourism Blueprint: Plans are in development for a high-level cultural and tourism zone that complements the city’s heritage assets.
- Tax Base Expansion: The MSAR is actively exploring new fiscal mechanisms to diversify public revenue beyond gaming.
- Attracting Foreign Talent & Investment: Macao will expand its international outreach with overseas visits by officials in the second half of 2025.
- Youth & Patriotism: Additional programmes will be introduced to foster national identity among Macao’s younger generations.
For further details, clarification, contributions, or any concerns regarding this article, please get in touch with us at editorial@tax.news. We value your feedback and are committed to providing accurate and timely information. Please note that our privacy policy will handle all inquiries.
