A spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council issued a statement yesterday, stating that the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government released Macao’s Third Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026–2030) yesterday.
This marks another vital step in the successful practice of “One Country, Two Systems” with Macao characteristics, holding milestone significance by providing a long-term roadmap to foster Macao’s high-quality development.
The spokesperson noted that the new Five-Year Plan earnestly implements the spirit of President Xi Jinping’s important instructions, reflecting higher strategic vision and clearer direction.
The plan fully and faithfully adheres to the principle of “One Country, Two Systems”, actively aligns with the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, balances development and security, and upholds and improves the executive-led system.
Closely focusing on Macao’s strategic positioning conferred by the Country – to act as “One Centre, One Platform, and One Base” and to build an international talent hub – the plan provides top-level design and systematic planning for Macao’s development over the next five years and beyond, demonstrating foresight, initiative, and a scientific approach.
Serving as a programmatic document to guide the comprehensive development of various undertakings in Macao, it offers essential guidance for the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) to further enhance governance efficiency, leverage its unique strengths, and achieve better self-development through integrating into and serving the overall development of the nation.
The spokesperson pointed out that the new Five-Year Plan is pragmatic, progressive, focused, targeted, and robust, featuring strong relevance and practical feasibility.
Adhering to reform and innovation, the plan focuses on promoting appropriate economic diversification. It highlights four major flagship projects – Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, the Macao International Integrated Tourism and Culture Zone, Macao Science and Technology Research and Development Industrial Park, and the Macau International Airport Hengqin Upstream Cargo Terminal – alongside a government guidance fund as key drivers to actively build a new structure for diversified industrial growth.
The plan remains goal-oriented and problem-focused, aiming to accelerate the construction of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and foster the integrated development of education, science and technology, and human resources.
Guided by a people-centred approach, the plan dedicates a separate chapter to urban renewal and aims to continuously improve public well-being across education, employment, housing, elderly care, and poverty alleviation, giving residents a greater sense of gain, happiness, and security.
The MSAR Government will also establish lists of key projects, assign responsibilities for major tasks, and outline key reform measures to break down deployment targets and ensure the plan is thoroughly implemented.
The spokesperson emphasised that the formulation of Macao’s new Five-Year Plan fully demonstrates the MSAR Government’s sense of responsibility and the unity and drive of Macao society.
Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai and the MSAR Government have faithfully fulfilled their responsibilities as the primary stewards and party accountable.
They conducted comprehensive, in-depth research to formulate the plan, organized a 40-day public consultation, and held 14 consultation sessions to gather wide-ranging feedback.
The Legislative Assembly actively cooperated and participated in research, diligently gathering and reflecting public opinion while maintaining close, constructive communication with government departments.
All sectors of society responded enthusiastically, with major associations mobilizing members to hold discussions and submit proposals, while professionals and residents proactively contributed ideas through diverse channels.
During the consultation period, 1,716 submissions comprising 8,230 specific comments were received, over 90 percent of which were positive. This represents another vivid practice of high-quality democracy with Macao characteristics, consolidating strong consensus and momentum across Macao society to jointly build a better home.
The spokesperson concluded that a grand blueprint has been drawn up and the clarion call sounded
Every Macao resident is a participant, implementer, and beneficiary of this new Five-Year Plan.
With the full support of the Central People’s Government and the Chinese mainland, and under the leadership of Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai and the MSAR Government, all sectors of Macao society will unite, seize opportunities, and work with solid dedication under the plan’s guidance. Together, they will continually advance Macao’s high-quality development, opening new vistas and writing a new chapter to make greater contributions to the building of a strong nation and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
End
N.B. The translation of the unabridged statement from Chinese was arranged, reviewed and edited by The Macau Post Daily.
Front cover of the 150-page Chinese-language booklet on the Macao SAR’s Third Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026–2030), released by the local government yesterday.
