Sam Hou Fai looks to expand global partnerships, boost cooperation

Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai outlined plans to strengthen the city’s international ties and economic cooperation during a dinner reception late last week.

The event was hosted for consuls general and representatives from nearly 50 countries and international organizations based in Hong Kong and Macau.

In his speech, Sam highlighted Macau’s strategic role as a key node in China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its commitment to building a high-level platform for international cooperation.

“Macau aims to expand its international circle of friends and broaden cooperation,” he said. He also emphasized efforts to enhance inclusiveness, convenience, and efficiency to develop Macau as “an international stage for exchanges.”

Reaffirming Macau’s commitment to maintaining its high degree of autonomy under the ‘One country, two systems’ framework, Sam assured that the city’s way of life, status as an international free port, and separate customs territory will be fully protected.

“The government will firmly uphold ‘one country’ and resolutely defend ‘two systems’ to ensure stability and prosperity,” he said.

The CE said, “Macao+Hengqin is becoming a new demonstration of the enriched implementation of the ‘One country, two systems’ principle.”

Sam invited countries and regions to leverage Macau’s international cooperation platform to support businesses and tourism, encouraging them to experience the vitality of Macau and China’s development – building a broader, more inclusive global partnership network.

Sam also expressed gratitude to the diplomats for their ongoing contributions to fostering cooperation between Macau and countries worldwide in commerce, trade, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. “Macau welcomes all nations and regions to utilize this platform – experience our development vitality firsthand,” he said.