Macao’s Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai described 2025 as a year of “complex and volatile” conditions, yet one that delivered “new progress” during what was the first year of the sixth-term Government.
The Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government’s newly released work review outlined a year defined by reform, regional integration, and social advancement, painting a portrait of a city steadily reshaping itself for long-term stability and diversified economic growth.
Mr Sam reported significant progress in 2025 across governance reform, economic diversification, regional cooperation, and social welfare, with the Government ensuring the orderly election for the eighth-term Legislative Assembly, under the principle of “patriots governing Macao”, framed as essential for safeguarding security and maintaining constructive interaction between the executive and legislative branches.
Reforms in public administration were accelerated, with the establishment of 14 coordination leading groups, and the optimisation of public services via the integration of more than 470 electronic services and functions with the “Macao One Account”, the Chief Executive said.
Economic recovery efforts were strengthened by initiatives like the “Macao Spending Rewards” campaign aimed at revitalising the community economy, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Key emerging sectors such as the “big health” industry with a focus on Traditional Chinese Medicine, modern finance, culture, and technology gained momentum, supported by talent recruitment programmes and enhanced data systems, Mr Sam observed.
The Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone in Hengqin marked new milestones through improved regulatory coordination, land development, and industrial expansion, offering greater employment and business opportunities for Macao residents, he added. Meanwhile, Macao deepened integration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and strengthened ties with provinces in the Chinese mainland and with Portuguese-speaking countries, advancing its role in national initiatives like the “Belt and Road”.
On the social front, the MSAR Government enhanced welfare through increased pensions, disability allowances, child-care support, and elderly services, alongside housing policy improvements and youth development programmes.
