Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, speaks to reporters.
The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, said the Macao Gaming Committee could – via its reconstituted membership – further develop its role in facilitating a healthy development of the city’s gaming industry. Mr Leong’s comment was made following the decision by the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, to include the Secretary for Security on the Macao Gaming Committee. Such a decision would have a positive impact on the Committee’s work, said Mr Leong. There would be a greater need for the Committee to receive input on security matters, especially at a time the industry was undergoing a new phase of development, Mr Leong told reporters on Saturday (23 April). The Macao Gaming Committee was established in July 2000, and is chaired by the Chief Executive of Macao. Its tasks include looking into how the gaming industry might be developed in the future. Mr Leong stated the Government had remained in close contact with representatives of the city’s gaming promoters regarding discussions on raising the financial threshold for companies interested in entering the local gaming promotion sector. There had been similar close communication regarding the possibility of in future conducting in-depth background checks on people applying to be gaming promoters. Those policy ideas were aimed at promoting a spirit of legal compliance and enhanced professionalism in the sector, Mr Leong added. Mr Leong additionally said he hoped a public discussion on the issue of paternity leave for men working in the private sector would soon reach a consensus. The Government is dedicated to enhancing the working conditions of residents: not only by updating the terms of paternity leave but also by other revisions of labour policy. The topics have been discussed in the Standing Council on Social Concerted Action, an advisory body to the Chief Executive on labour policies. Mr Leong said he hoped the members of the Standing Council would take into consideration the Chief Executive’s comments on paternity leave. Those comments had been offered during a meeting of the Legislative Assembly on Friday (22 April).