Leaders depart for Beijing to propose integration plans

The National People’s Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) are scheduled to convene in Beijing this week, as Macau leaders and representatives departed for the capital to submit proposals aimed at advancing regional integration.

The proposals focus on promoting Macau’s integration into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and supporting the development of the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

In 2026, marking the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC and the fourth session of the 14th NPC – collectively known as the “Two Sessions” – will commence in Beijing on Thursday and today, respectively.

Notably, the agenda for the fourth session of the NPC includes a review of the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, along with an examination of the draft plans and budgets for this year.

As announced by the Government Information Bureau (GCS), Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai departed Macau yesterday to attend the opening session of the NPC on Thursday, with Secretary for Administration and Justice Wong Sio Chak temporarily assuming the chief executive’s duties during his absence.

Also departing for Beijing yesterday to attend the sessions were several Macau deputies to the National People’s Congress and members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

In an airport interview, Kevin Ho said the Macau delegation plans to submit two collective proposals during this year’s Two Sessions, focusing on promoting Macau’s service integration into the Greater Bay Area and advancing the development of the in-depth cooperation zone. Additionally, he mentioned submitting six or seven individual proposals centered on Greater Bay Area development.

Highlighting that this year marks the commencement of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, several local NPC deputies said they intend to focus on how Macau can better align with the national plan.

Among them, Ho Sut Heng emphasized the importance of talent development, advocating for an expanded scope of professional qualification recognition within Hengqin and the Greater Bay Area.

She also called for strengthened cooperation in talent cultivation to provide more development opportunities for Macau residents and Greater Bay Area youth, facilitating their better integration into the broader development landscape of Hengqin and Macau.

Similarly focused on the integrated development of Macau and Guangdong are several members of the CPPCC.

Among them, Wong Kit Cheng’s proposal examines how Macau youth can leverage the new development goals outlined in the 15th Five-Year Plan to engage effectively in both the Greater Bay Area and the broader regional economy. It also explores ways future policy planning can enhance development opportunities for Macau youth.