The Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government is committed to implementing the content of the important speeches and instructions of President Xi Jinping and the central authorities, regarding the development of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, according to a statement by the Macao Government Information Bureau (GCS) yesterday.
The statement added that “the MSAR Government does so, as it welcomes the approaching important milestone of the Cooperation Zone’s fifth anniversary”.
MSAR Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai yesterday chaired the fifth working meeting of Macao’s leading group for the promotion of the construction of the Cooperation Zone, the statement noted.
‘Hengqin’s development must be treated as Macao’s own responsibility’
“Sam stressed that Hengqin’s development must be treated as Macao’s own responsibility. With strong support from the Central People’s Government, Macao should work closely with Guangdong Province, in order to jointly plan and advance the second phase of the Cooperation Zone’s development”, the statement said.
According to the statement, the meeting received reports on the progress of the Cooperation Zone in the first half of 2026; the MSAR Government’s implementation of policy initiatives for deepening the development of the Cooperation Zone; and the advancement of institutional-alignment and connectivity mechanisms regarding Macao and Hengqin. The meeting also discussed plans for next-phase work.
“Sam directed that efforts be focused on solidly advancing key flagship projects and priority initiatives. These include: the development of the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town; the pilot implementation of cargo-loading for the Macau International Airport Hengqin Upstream Cargo Terminal; the extension of Macao’s social welfare and public services to Hengqin; joint investment promotion by Macao and Hengqin; and institutional-alignment and connectivity mechanisms between the two regions.
The Chief Executive emphasised the need to coordinate efforts on the Macao and Hengqin sides, strengthening collaboration and synergy in advancing these initiatives.
Members of the leading group attending the meeting included: Secretary for Administration and Justice Wong Sio Chak, Secretary for Economy and Finance Ng Wai Han, Secretary for Security Chan Tsz King, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Wallis O Lam, and Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raymond Tam Vai Man.
N.B. Translation provided by GCS, edited by the Post; subheading added by the Post
Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai (centre) chairs the fifth working meeting of Macao’s leading group for the promotion of the construction of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, with his five policy secretaries, at Macau Government Headquarters yesterday. – Photo: GCS
