MACAO, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Chief Executive of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Sam Hou Fai on Wednesday extended a New Year message to all residents and friends who care about and support Macao's development.
The year 2026 marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan of the country and the Third Five-Year Plan of Macao, Sam said, noting that the SAR will proactively align with national development strategies, carefully draw up and implement its own five-year plan, and grasp development opportunities to yield better achievements for the SAR.
Reflecting on 2025, he noted that with the strong leadership of the central authorities, the support of central authorities' agencies in Macao, patriotic organizations of Macao, and broad societal backing, the SAR stayed united to resolutely uphold national sovereignty, security and development interests, proactively grasp development opportunities, overcome various difficulties and challenges, and facilitate comprehensive progress across its various undertakings.
Looking to 2026, the chief executive emphasized consolidating national security, strengthening the foundation of patriotism for the country, and ensuring social harmony and stability.
He called for upholding and improving the executive-led system, deepening public administration reform and enhancing governance efficiency.
On the economic front, efforts will be made to promote the appropriate diversification by effectively implementing relevant plans, accelerating the establishment of government-led industrial and guidance funds, steadily advancing major development projects, and accelerating the quality development of the "1+4" diversified industries, Sam said.
He added that the SAR will advance the "Macao plus Hengqin" development positioning and speed up construction of the cooperation zone to promote integrated development between Macao and Hengqin, which is located in the southern part of Zhuhai city in Guangdong Province, just across Macao.
Sam further vowed to deliver practical results to the public, including support for youth development and protection of rights related to employment, eldercare, medical and education services. Efforts will also be intensified to strengthen disaster prevention and mitigation, improve public security and safety capacity, and build a safe and livable Macao. ■
