Speaking in an interview with China News Service in Beijing on Wednesday, Sam Hou Fai emphasised that the government will treat the zone’s development as a domestic priority. The initiative seeks to fulfill the original intention of developing Hengqin to support Macau’s economic diversification by breaking down barriers and fostering an “integrated Macau-Hengqin” framework.
A recent survey indicated that over 80 percent of Macau youth are willing to work or start businesses in the Cooperation Zone. Sam Hou Fai described this figure as “unexpected” and pledged to utilise this momentum to create favourable conditions for young professionals to demonstrate their talents in the region, according to Macau Daily.
Regarding infrastructure, the Chief Executive highlighted progress on cross-border facilitation. The Hengqin Port is expected to implement “card-free” clearance for drivers by 2026, alongside upgrades to the “joint one-stop” vehicle lanes. Authorities are also studying the feasibility of an additional direct channel connecting Macau and Hengqin to further ease movement.
To streamline operations, a dedicated leadership group has been established to strengthen top-level coordination. In the financial sector, the government is seeking to optimise the Multi-functional Free Trade Account (EF Account) system and encourage more Macau-funded banks to participate in pilot schemes to improve capital flow efficiency.
Industrial synergy will be promoted through a “Macau Registered + Hengqin Produced” model and a “Macau R&D + Hengqin Conversion” mechanism. On the community level, the “Macau New Neighborhood” project is accelerating the construction of its secondary school facilities, aiming to launch junior high education by the 2026/2027 academic year.
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“Young people already have this wish to pursue dreams in the Greater Bay Area, we must further launch encouraging measures to turn this willingness into a step-by-step implementation path,” Sam Hou Fai stated.
The Chief Executive concluded by reiterating the need for simultaneous progress in “hard, soft, and heart connectivity.” These efforts aim to ensure the Cooperation Zone is built effectively, treating the project as an integral part of Macau’s own affairs.
