Given the backdrop of mounting economic and geopolitical challenges that might impact its stability, Macao must be well prepared for a plethora of unprecedented uncertainties in the near future. In response, Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region Sam Hou-fai articulated a clear vision for navigating the troubled waters by capitalizing on Macao’s inherent strengths and leveraging its unique advantages.

Sam’s strategic initiatives were endorsed by the central government. With its robust support for the Macao SAR, the central government designated Hengqin Island as a priority development area to drive greater cooperation between Guangdong province and Macao.

Beijing has listed important guidelines, referred to as the “four expectations”, to boost the Macao SAR’s development. These are enhancing appropriate economic diversification; raising governance capability; building a higher-level platform for external exchanges; and safeguarding social harmony.

According to Lau Siu-kai, consultant to the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, Macao’s incumbent government stays true to these guidelines. Upholding them enables the city to journey along the right path toward a promising destination in accordance with national strategies. These strategic blueprints will allow China to move closer to the goal of national rejuvenation.

Macao remains vigilant amid the current complex situation while maintaining long-term confidence in its development. Riding on the back of the national rejuvenation of China and receiving relentless support from the central government, the SAR is poised to forge ahead and navigate geopolitical headwinds

A robust and rapidly developing Hengqin is the key to Macao’s economic diversification. Therefore, it would be wise for Macao to take the island in Zhuhai into consideration in its economic strategy, as the sister cities share common interests. It should be kept in mind that, from a long-term perspective, emerging gaming hubs in neighboring countries will, sooner or later, pose a serious threat to Macao’s status as a global gaming center. Recently, Thailand picked four provinces to host casino-entertainment complexes. Economic diversification may therefore offer a way out of the impasse created by the excessive competition in gaming sectors across the region.

The Macao SAR will allocate sufficient manpower and resources to ensure that Hengqin’s development contributes significantly to Macao’s economic diversification. Macao Secretary for Administration and Justice Cheong Weng-chon said the leading group for the promotion of the construction of the zone will work concertedly to advance its development. In his Policy Address, Sam revealed the establishment of six leadership groups to coordinate the advancement of major cross-sector affairs. One group is responsible for promoting the construction of the zone.

Further integrating Macao with the rest of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is also at the top of the SAR’s policy agenda, with the cooperation zone in Hengqin under the joint management of the two jurisdictions. In his Policy Address, Sam stressed the need to amend regulations, guidelines and legal barriers that are preventing Macao and Hengqin from integrating more closely. This included encouraging more of Macao’s businesses to establish themselves in Hengqin and increasing the number of Macao-registered vehicles using the Hengqin Port. As such, more checkpoints will be set up to facilitate cross-boundary traffic.

It is said that Sam will soon conduct an official visit to Brazil or Portugal, two major Portuguese-speaking countries, to demonstrate his administration’s efforts to build broader foreign ties. At present, Brazil is China’s largest trade partner in Latin America and the country is willing to establish synergies with the Belt and Road Initiative. Sam’s high-profile overseas visit will enhance Macao’s role as a connector between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Macao remains vigilant amid the current complex situation while maintaining long-term confidence in its development. Riding on the back of the national rejuvenation of China and receiving relentless support from the central government, the SAR is poised to forge ahead and navigate geopolitical headwinds.

Lei Wun-kong is a lawyer based in Macao, and litigation and practice senior consultant of Chinese Dream Think Tank. Kacee Ting Wong is a barrister, a part-time researcher of the Shenzhen University’s Hong Kong and Macao Basic Law Research Center, chairman of Chinese Dream Think Tank, and a district councilor.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.