Editor’s note: This year commemorates the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland. China Daily asked prominent figures in the special administrative region for their reflections on this significant milestone and listened to their visions for the city’s continued prosperity. Duarte Alves, president of the General Assembly of the Macanese Youth Association, says the city’s dramatic progress promises tremendous opportunities for young people.

1. How do you view Macao’s development since its return to the motherland? Which of Macao’s achievements has most impressed you? What about your sector? Has there been any major progress over the past 25 years?

Macao’s development since its return to the motherland in 1999 has been a fascinating journey. Over the past 25 years, the region has transformed from a modest economy into a dynamic and thriving hub. The “one country, two systems” framework has been central to this success, providing the flexibility for Macao to preserve its unique cultural and economic identity while integrating more closely with the Chinese mainland. This balance, once viewed with skepticism, has proven its value, showcasing the foresight and wisdom of the central government in shaping a stable and progressive future for the region.

In the first two decades, Macao focused on building its economic base. The opening-up of the gaming sector to multiple operators was a bold decision that spurred rapid growth. Ancillary industries like hospitality, retail and professional services flourished, and this created wealth that filtered through the local community. The results were tangible: higher incomes, better jobs, and improved social services.

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I returned to Macao in 2009 after studying abroad since 1999. I have had the privilege of seeing these changes unfold. Having worked both in gaming and the property development sectors, it’s clear how priorities have shifted from rapid economic growth to more sustainable, community-focused development. The gaming industry, for example, is no longer just about gaming—it’s about creating experiences that highlight Macao’s culture, entertainment, and global appeal. Meanwhile, property development generated a shared wealth among the citizens, and has increasingly emphasized sustainability and heritage preservation, ensuring Macao grows in a way that respects its identity.

Macao’s success as a special administrative region is a testament to its adaptability and the steady guidance of a governance framework that balances local strengths with broader regional opportunities. As Macao continues to evolve, its ability to align with national strategies while preserving its distinctiveness will remain the foundation of its success. This is a story not just of economic achievement, but of thoughtful planning, harmonious development, and shared progress.

2. The central government has rolled out an array of policy initiatives for Macao. Are there any particular policies that benefit your sector? If so, how?

One of the most impactful policies introduced by the central government is the establishment of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, as outlined in the master plan promulgated on Sep 5, 2021. This initiative directly addresses Macao’s land constraints by providing a platform for expansion just across the border.

For the property sector, this represents a transformative opportunity, offering space for residential, commercial, and industrial development, thereby alleviating pressure on Macao’s constrained property market. Notably, the zone facilitates the extension of Macao-standard public services — such as healthcare, education, and social security — into Hengqin, ensuring that Macao residents can live and work there seamlessly.

For developers, the cooperation zone offers a chance to build large-scale projects that align with regional and national priorities, such as green construction and innovative urban planning. The focus on diversification means that these developments are not just residential but also aimed at fostering new industries, creating vibrant communities that will attract talent and investment from across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

This policy exemplifies the central government’s strategic approach to addressing Macao’s challenges while enabling its future growth. By leveraging Hengqin’s potential, Macao can achieve sustainable development and strengthen its role in the Greater Bay Area while preserving its unique identity.

3. This year marks the third anniversary of the establishment of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. How should Macao continue to leverage the zone’s advantages to develop itself and your sector?

In my opinion, as the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin reaches its third year, Macao has a unique opportunity to capitalize on its advantages, particularly through initiatives like the Macau New Neighbourhood (MNN). The MNN is more than a housing project — it is a deliberate step toward enhancing the quality of life for Macao residents while reinforcing their connection to the mainland.

To fully leverage the Hengqin zone’s potential, Macao should focus on making the MNN a model for integrated living. By incorporating Macao-standard healthcare, education and social security services, the project not only addresses housing shortages but also creates a seamless transition for residents moving to Hengqin. This approach ensures that Macao’s identity and high standards are preserved, even as the city expands into new spaces.

In the property sector, the MNN presents a rare opportunity to redefine urban development. By emphasizing community-centered design and integrating modern infrastructure with public spaces, the MNN can set a benchmark for sustainable, inclusive living environments. These developments, paired with Hengqin’s unique tax incentives and simplified procedures for cross-border business, will attract both talent and investment, creating vibrant communities that support Macao’s diversification efforts.

Furthermore, Macao should strengthen its collaboration with Guangdong province to accelerate infrastructure connectivity and ensure that public services in the zone meet the highest standards. Such efforts will not only benefit residents but also position Hengqin as a strategic hub within the GBA, amplifying Macao’s influence in the region.

Ultimately, the cooperation zone offers Macao a chance to write the next chapter of its growth story. By focusing on integration, innovation, and community-building, Macao can ensure that the Hengqin zone becomes a vital pillar of its future development while reflecting the shared vision of prosperity and progress that defines the GBA.

4. The GBA has seen many notable developments over the past few years. How has Macao’s integration with other parts of GBA impacted your career? What kind of collaboration are you anticipating in the GBA?

The GBA has transformed connectivity in recent years, with projects like the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link playing a pivotal role. Policies such as the programs allowing vehicles with only Hong Kong or Macao plates to drive into the Chinese mainland, and the visa-free entry for non-Chinese Macao permanent residents have further enhanced mobility, making travel and cross-border collaboration much more seamless.

For my career, these advancements have been invaluable. Improved logistics and accessibility have turned once-complex travel into spontaneous opportunities for networking and collaboration across cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou. The ease of movement has facilitated partnerships that leverage the strengths of the GBA, creating synergies that were previously out of reach.

Looking ahead, I anticipate even deeper collaboration in fields like technology, finance and cultural tourism, where Macao can contribute its unique strengths while benefiting from the innovation and dynamism of the broader GBA.

5. Macao is a unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures. How do you think this fusion can help the nation enhance communication with the international community and tell good stories about China?

Macao’s unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures is a powerful asset for enhancing communication with the international community and telling the country’s stories in a relatable and compelling way. As someone who identifies with this cultural fusion, I see Macao’s role as a living demonstration of how the country’s openness and diversity can connect with the world on multiple levels.

But Macao’s potential goes beyond historical ties. Its bilingual and bicultural nature allows it to craft narratives that resonate globally. Through festivals, art, cuisine and its UNESCO-listed heritage sites, Macao presents a harmonious fusion of East and West. This fusion is more than cultural—it’s an important asset. By demonstrating how Chinese values can coexist with global influences, Macao offers a narrative of unity that aligns with the nation’s vision for international cooperation and understanding.

Macao’s historical and cultural positioning as a bridge to the Portuguese-speaking world uniquely complements Hong Kong’s role in engaging Anglophone nations. Together, the SARs provide China with dual entry points into the world’s most influential linguistic and cultural blocs. Macao’s focus on Lusophone or Portuguese-speaking nations aligns seamlessly with Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), where these countries hold strategic importance, particularly in resource-rich Africa and rapidly growing South America. This duality of Macao and Hong Kong underscores the sophistication of the nation’s strategy for global engagement.

Looking forward, the Macao SAR can enhance its role by fostering deeper connections between Portuguese-speaking nations and China. By hosting cultural exchanges, trade expos and international forums, the city can amplify its voice and help shape China’s global image as a nation of inclusivity and shared prosperity. Macao is not just a city—it is a bridge, a symbol and a strategic partner in telling the story of the nation to the world.

6. Many of the Macao’s young people were born after the city’s return to the motherland. How do you think the special occasion resonates with the young generation? What messages would you like to convey to them on this historic moment?

The oldest members of the “post-return” generation are now 25 years old, a generation that has grown up in a stable, prosperous Macao. They may not have experienced the challenges of the “old” Macao, but they are living proof of the opportunities that have emerged since the city’s return to the motherland. This special occasion is a moment to reflect on Macao’s progress and its unique place within the nation.

To the younger generation, my message is twofold. First, embrace integration. As part of the country, Macao’s success is closely tied to the opportunities within the GBA and the broader national framework. By engaging with the innovation, industries and talent in the region, young people can contribute to Macao’s growth while forging their own paths.

Second, treasure Macao’s unique cultural heritage. This blend of Chinese and Portuguese influences is what sets Macao apart and makes it such a vital part of the national story. By celebrating and sharing this identity, the younger generation can help the city play a crucial role in telling China’s story to the world.

As we look ahead, it is clear that the future will require open-mindedness, adaptability, and innovation. I encourage Macao’s young people to embrace these qualities, taking pride in their heritage while seizing the opportunities of the modern era. They are not just the future of Macao—they are an integral part of the country’s broader narrative of progress and prosperity.

7. What do you hope Macao will accomplish in the next 25 years?

In the next 25 years, I hope Macao will deepen its integration with the mainland while solidifying its role as a model of the “one country, two systems” framework. As the Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration concludes, Macao’s ability to preserve its unique cultural identity while aligning with national priorities will define its next chapter.

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Macao’s connection to Portuguese-speaking nations offers a critical, underutilized pathway for the country’s global engagement, particularly in regions aligned with the BRI. By amplifying these ties, the city can strengthen its role as a bridge to Lusophone economies in Africa, South America and Europe, helping to diversify China’s global partnerships.

At the same time, Macao’s position within the GBA allows it to complement the technological and financial strengths of Shenzhen and Guangzhou with its cultural and tourism appeal. This synergy is key to the GBA’s global competitiveness, and Macao’s ability to weave its heritage into innovative, sustainable urban development—like the Macau New Neighbourhood project in Hengqin—will ensure it remains an essential part of the region’s success.

Macao’s accomplishments in the next 25 years should reflect its ability to balance tradition with progress. By embracing its distinct role as both a cultural and economic bridge, Macao can contribute to the nation’s narrative of inclusivity, collaboration and global leadership.