On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, President Xi Jinping welcomed Sam Hou Fai, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), for a briefing session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. This meeting marks a key checkpoint in Macao’s post-pandemic recovery and its deepening ties with the Chinese mainland.
During the meeting, Sam Hou Fai highlighted:
- Tourism rebound: Macao recorded over 10 million visitor arrivals through November, a 20% increase compared to last year.
- Economic diversification: Progress in developing financial services and creative industries has attracted more than 200 startups to Macao’s tech parks.
- Cultural exchange: Preparations are underway for the 2026 Macao Arts Festival and the 18th International Automobile Grand Prix.
- Green initiatives: The number of eco-certified hotels rose by 15% in 2025, supporting sustainable tourism goals.
President Xi praised Macao’s achievements and encouraged the SAR to:
- Deepen participation in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) framework to leverage regional connectivity.
- Enhance collaboration through the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries.
- Support youth entrepreneurship and talent exchanges to build a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
- Uphold social stability and improve public services to benefit local residents and visitors alike.
Analysts say this meeting underscores Beijing’s commitment to integrating Macao more closely into national development strategies while preserving its unique heritage and legal system. For entrepreneurs and young professionals, Macao’s evolving landscape offers opportunities in finance, gaming diversification, cultural industries, and sustainable travel.
As Macao gears up for a high-profile lineup of events in 2026, from arts festivals to sports competitions, its role as a global platform linking East and West remains stronger than ever.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
