MACAU – In a significant New Year reception, senior Chinese officials have outlined an ambitious roadmap for Macao’s development, emphasizing economic diversification and enhanced governance efficiency. The address delivered on February 5, 2026, by Zheng Xincong, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, set forth clear expectations for the territory’s strategic direction.
Speaking before distinguished guests, Zheng articulated a vision for Macao to achieve substantive breakthroughs in reducing its historical reliance on gaming revenues. The call for ‘appropriate economic diversification’ signals a strategic pivot toward developing broader industrial capabilities and sustainable economic models. Simultaneously, the address emphasized the critical need for administrative reforms to improve public governance capacity and institutional effectiveness.
Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai echoed these priorities in his complementary remarks, reaffirming the SAR government’s commitment to fully and accurately implementing the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. The administration pledged to deepen public administration reform, accelerate development of the Hengqin cooperation zone, and enhance social welfare programs.
Both officials emphasized the parallel importance of strengthening patriotic education and safeguarding national security. The leadership called for fostering stronger patriotic forces dedicated to both Macao and the motherland, while maintaining social stability through continued vigilance against security threats. Additional focus was placed on creating expanded opportunities for youth development and supporting community organizations aligned with these national objectives.
The joint addresses signal coordinated policy direction between central government representatives and Macao’s local administration as the territory navigates its post-pandemic economic transformation while maintaining its unique constitutional status within China’s governance framework.