Editor's Note: The author, Chen Guanghan, is a chief expert of the Institute of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Development Studies, Sun Yat-sen University.

The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government has released its Third Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026-2030), mapping out the vision of a "Law-based Macao," "Vibrant Macao," "Cultural Macao," and "Blissful Macao."

Tailored to local realities and aligned with national strategies, the plan sets out four priorities spanning governance improvement, industrial transformation, opening up and people-centered social policies, marking a new phase of high-quality development under "one country, two systems."

The plan was shaped by broad-based public input: 1,716 submissions with 8,230 suggestions were received during a 40-day consultation. Centered on residents' well-being, it aims to enhance public services, from urban renewal and education to healthcare, elderly support and social security, aiming to boost Macao residents' sense of gain, happiness and security.

Under the new plan, Macao will deepen its integration with the country's overall development. It leverages its geographical and institutional strengths as a service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and its role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. The goal is to establish Macao as a strategic bridgehead for China's high-standard opening-up and a window for mutual learning between civilizations, while contributing to the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative.

A CGTN survey of 1,551 respondents in Macao found that:

- 93% said Macao has seen more tourist arrivals, smoother people-to-people exchanges and greater investment since its Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area integration.

- 92.5% flagged strong support from the mainland and its role as a global gateway as Macao's unique strengths.

- 92.2% described the practice of "one country, two systems" in Macao as a success.

Macao's third five-year plan turns strategic goals into concrete milestones. More than a policy document, it is a future residents can reach for. The hope now is that all sectors of the SAR will pull together, seize opportunities, and give "one country, two systems" a fresh burst of Macao-style momentum.