In the Government’s latest policy blueprint, the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, outlined a five-pillar economic policy programme to ensure stability of Macao’s economy. It was envisioned the economy would grow moderately in 2019, he said.
The Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2019 covered a number of measures to advance development, respectively, in: the gaming industry and the tourism sector; promotion of adequate industrial diversification; support for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); the securing of local employment; and regional cooperation, with some emphasis on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Greater Bay Area).
The Chief Executive unveiled the 2019 Policy Address, entitled “Seize Opportunities for Balanced Development” at the Legislative Assembly this afternoon.
Regarding the gaming industry, Mr Chui pointed out the significance of continuing follow-up work after the recent mid-term review of the gaming industry. The six current gaming concessions and sub-concessions would expire on various dates between 2020 and 2022.
There would be additional measures in 2019 to encourage gaming operators to invest more in non-gaming elements. Public policy would also continue to support gaming enterprises to prioritise procurement of products and services designed and made in Macao.
Regarding development of tourism, the 2019 Policy Address incorporated ideas to promote local culinary culture, in a bid to enhance Macao’s influence as one of the “UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy” under the “UNESCO Creative Cities Network”.
Mr Chui said the Government also planned to: step up promotion of Macao in countries and places covered by the “Belt and Road” initiative; launch more routes under a “multi-destination travel” model; expand the number of destinations – within the Greater Bay Area – under the facilitated travel forpleasure craft scheme; and explore opportunities – with other Greater Bay Area cities – in the marine industrial sector and other high-end service industries.
In 2019, the Government would spare no effort in pushing forward adequate economic diversification. The steps would include: attracting a greater number of quality conventions and exhibitions to Macao; enhancing the development trajectory of the Guangdong-Macao Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Industrial Park; and attracting well-established, foreign lease-finance companies to establish bases in Macao.
In addition, a “Community Cultural and Creative Production Subsidy Scheme” would be launched next year, said Mr Chui.
Regarding developing a specialised services sector, the Chief Executive said the Government would step up effort to develop financial leasing services at Macao’s financial institutions; attract well-established foreign, lease-finance companies to establish bases in Macao; study formulation of a trust law; and transform Macao as a clearing centre for renminbi for Portuguese-speaking countries.
SMEs were an important component of Macao’s economy and a significant force for fostering diversification in the local economy, said the Chief Executive.
In support of the aims outlined by Mr Chui, the Policy Address proposed to optimise supporting measures and streamline licensing procedures; promote integrated development of traditional industries and cultural and creative industries; strengthen support for “made in Macao” brands; and promote an initiative known as the “Scheme to Assist the Rebranding of Time-honoured Local Shops”.
Regarding securing local employment, the Policy Address recommended optimising the exit mechanism for non-local employees, and combatting of illegal employment; facilitating amendments to seven prioritised subjects regarding the Labour Relations Law; and optimising staff training, skills accreditation, employment referral and skills matching.
The Chief Executive disclosed fresh policies regarding furthering Macao’s integration into the country’s overall development, under the principle of “serving the country’s needs, delivering Macao’s strengths”.
To “precisely and pragmatically engage in regional cooperation” was an aim of the Government’s economic policies, said Mr Chui.
Regarding advancement of the Greater Bay Area, the Government would initiate a research process concerning projects with neighbouring Jiangmen, in Guangdong Province; and participate in development of Hengqin and Nansha sub-zones of the Guangdong Free Trade Zone. Macao would also join its effort with Zhongshan in order to develop a “Guangdong-Macao Cooperation Display Zone”.
Additionally, the Government would explore development of an intercity passenger ticket payment system for public transport and expedite interconnectivity of boundary-crossing infrastructure.
Mr Chui also outlined the Government’s visions regarding fostering strategies for regional cooperation, such as strengthening partnership with Beijing and Tianjin, as well as Hebei Province, plus the “Yangtze River Economic Zone”. In addition, Macao would launch a series of events for a thematic year of Macao-Shanghai cooperation; enhance Macao’s role in poverty alleviation efforts for Guizhou Province; and explore starting exchange and cooperation with Jilin Province regarding Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Key policies outlined in the address as relating to public administration included: implementing the second stage of revision of the “Macao Public Servants Statutes and Regulations” and consideration of facilitation of exchanges and studies between civil servants in the cities of the Greater Bay Area.
According to the Chief Executive, the Government proposed upwardly adjusting each point on the civil service salary scale to 88 patacas, with effect from January, 2019.
The newly-formed Municipal Affairs Bureau would commence operations from 1 January 2019. The setting up of the Islands District Integrated Government Services Centre would provide around 310 public services from a total of 26 public departments.
Regarding Macao’s legal system, Mr Chui vowed to improve the process of drafting legislation. He also pledged that the Chief Executive Election in 2019 would be carried out according to the Chief Executive Election Law, and in a fair, just and unbiased manner.
Printed copies and the booklet edition of the Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2019, published in Chinese and Portuguese, are available for collection at the following seven locations: the Government Head Office Auxiliary Bureau; the Government Information Bureau; the Government Printing Bureau; the Public Information Centre; the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau; the Central Library; and the Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau.