In her annual New Year address released Monday, Commissioner Bian noted that Macao’s vibrant Spring Festival celebrations—attended by residents and visitors worldwide—reflect the territory’s unique ability to foster harmonious coexistence among diverse cultures and strengthen people-to-people bonds.
The past year witnessed significant progress in Macao’s external engagement, according to the Commissioner’s statement.
Under the leadership of the Macao SAR Government, local sectors diligently implemented President Xi Jinping’s directives from his recent visit, advancing the “One Center, One Platform, One Base” development strategy and making orderly headway on four major projects.
Macao deepened cooperation with Portuguese-speaking, Spanish-speaking, and Southeast Asian nations, reinforced its function as a “precise connector” in China-Portugal collaboration, and actively contributed to high-quality Belt and Road Initiative partnerships.
The territory also hosted a series of successful international forums and exhibitions spanning infrastructure, tourism, environmental protection, and cultural exchange. For the third consecutive year, Macao earned accolades as “Best City for Business Meetings” and “Best Asian Meeting Destination,” further elevating the global profile of the “China Macao” brand.
“These achievements are hard-won—built by the joint endeavour of the SAR Government and all Macao residents,” the statement emphasized, describing them as a vivid demonstration of the institutional advantages and successful implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” framework with Macao characteristics.
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Looking ahead, 2026 marks the launch of both the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Macao’s own “Three-Five” Plan. Following a recent briefing by Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, President Xi underscored the importance of proactively aligning with national development strategies, upholding effective governance, steadfastly promoting moderate economic diversification, and deepening Macao’s integration into the country’s overall progress.
Commissioner Bian affirmed that Macao will continue to “set its sights high, embrace diversity, and forge ahead,” strengthening its position as a vital bridgehead for China’s high-level opening-up and a key window for East-West cultural dialogue—thereby writing new chapters in the practice of “One Country, Two Systems.”
The Office of the Commissioner pledged to remain guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, with priorities including safeguarding national security, assisting the SAR in expanding international exchanges, implementing facilitation measures for cross-border people-to-people interactions, boosting support for international business investment in the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, and encouraging Macao’s youth to engage on broader global stages to share Macao’s and China’s stories.
The Commissioner expressed firm confidence that, under President Xi’s leadership and with the Motherland’s full support, Macao’s high-quality development will reach new heights. She concluded with wishes for national prosperity, continued success of “One Country, Two Systems” with Macao characteristics, and a spirited, joyful, and prosperous Year of the Horse for all Macao families.
