New commission to lead Macao’s maritime development

The Government has established a commission to coordinate management and development of the maritime area that is under administration of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). The Commission for the Coordination in the Management and Development of the Maritime Area aims to use a scientific approach – in accordance with relevant laws – in spearheading development of the 85 square kilometres of waters demarcated by the State Council. The Commission is under the supervision of the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On. The Government pays great attention to the management of the maritime area. The Government is also drafting a framework law on maritime management, in order to strengthen administration of those waters. The Government will gradually enhance Macao’s relevant regulatory framework, in order to: fulfil the need of maritime management on the mainland; satisfy Macao’s future developments; and facilitate the sustainable socio-economic development of the Pearl River Delta region. Last year, the Government issued three administrative regulations in support of the administration of the maritime boundary. They are: a regulation specifying immigration clearance procedures for crew members of vessels; a regulation on marine dumping of waste; and amendments to the articles of the Marine and Water Bureau. The Government also signed with the mainland authorities three cooperation agreements aimed at strengthening management of those waters. Development of the waters administered by the Macao SAR would accommodate the progress of: the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (known as the “Belt and Road” Initiative); the administrative goals of transforming Macao into a world centre of tourism and leisure and a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries (collectively known as “Centre and Platform” policies); the diversification on the city’s economy; and sustainability of regional cooperation. The State Council has approved a new administrative division map for the Macao SAR. According to the map, 85 square kilometres of waters surrounding Macao, and an area of land where the Border Gate with Zhuhai is located, will be placed under Macao’s management. That administrative arrangement was announced in Decree No. 665 of the State Council on 20 December 2015.