Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai noted in a statement on New Year’s Day that in his 2026 New Year’s address to the nation, President Xi Jinping emphasised the firm commitment to implementing the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, supporting Hong Kong and Macao in better integrating into the national development framework, and maintaining long-term prosperity and stability. The president's words conveyed his care and concern for us, providing immense warmth to the residents of Macao and significantly boosting the confidence of local society in the future. The MSAR government will further steadfastly and accurately implement the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, actively align with the national "15th Five-Year Plan," and effectively develop and implement the MSAR's "3rd Five-Year Plan," ensuring that we do not disappoint President Xi and the Central People’s Government’s expectations and support.
This morning (January 1, 2026), the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council released an article titled "Living Up to Expectations and Achieving Outstanding Results—Seizing Opportunities to Set Sail Again," highly praising the development of Hong Kong and Macao over the past year, noting that the development of these regions has always been close to President Xi's heart. Under the leadership and guidance of President Xi, the Hong Kong and Macao SARs have lived up to expectations and progressed in unity.
Sam underlined that the MSAR Government deeply appreciates President Xi's concern for Macao, always remembering this and putting it into action. Over the past year, we united various sectors of society to comprehensively, accurately, and steadfastly implement the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, firmly safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, security, and development interests. We fully realised the principle of "Patriots Governing Macao," successfully formed the 8th Legislative Assembly, and completed the legal oath-taking for all current and newly appointed civil servants. We have consistently focused on the appropriate diversification of the economy, witnessing a significant rise in inbound visitors in 2025, surpassing the historical record set in 2019, indicating a robust recovery in the tourism industry. We pragmatically accelerated the construction of the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, achieving substantial growth in the "Four New" industries in Hengqin, Macao-owned enterprises, and residents living and working in the cooperation zone. At the same time, we focused on improving people's wellbeing, optimising governance efficiency, and comprehensively promoting the development of various undertakings in the MSAR.
Sam further stated that during his duty visit to Beijing last month, President Xi provided important directives and set new requirements for the MSAR to excel in its work. President Xi's concern for Macao is all-encompassing; he also expressed particular satisfaction with the successful hosting of the National Games by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao in his New Year’s address, reflecting the country's profound affection and steadfast support for Macao as “the pearl in the palm of the motherland.”
Sam emphasised that as we enter 2026, President Xi's expectations provide us with fundamental guidelines and confidence to pragmatically advance Macao's current and future development. The MSAR government will pursue reform decisively, take responsibility, unite society, seize opportunities, promote appropriate economic diversification, improve people’s livelihoods, actively align with the national "15th Five-Year Plan," and scientifically formulate and implement Macao’s "3rd Five-Year Plan," striving to create a new chapter in Macao's development and contribute "Macao's strength" to serving the national development agenda.
Source: Macao Government Information Bureau (GCS)
N.B. Translation arranged and edited by The Macau Post Daily.
P.S. The other principal officials of the MSAR Government also issued New Year’s Day statements expressing their unwavering alignment with the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan in line with President Xi’s New Year’s address.
Official portrait of MSAR Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai provided by GCS
