Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, speaks to reporters.
The Government is committed to promoting a balanced development of the city’s gaming and non-gaming offerings, and to encourage the use by casino operators of more services and products from local small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, made the comments today, when he attended the press conference for the promotional campaign “Macau Loves Locals”. The Secretary expressed his support for the campaign, which he said was in line with the Government’s strategies to promote diversification of the city’s economy. The “Macau Loves Locals” campaign offers discounts and promotions to Macao residents – who bring along a valid identification – when enjoying non-gaming offerings at hotels and resorts operated by the city’s six casino operators. Mr Leong spoke highly of the diversification efforts made by the six casino operators during the ongoing adjustment period in the city’s gaming industry. Such efforts were helpful to enhance Macao’s tourism competitiveness internationally and to support Macao’s economic sustainability as they encouraged a greater involvement of local SMEs, he added. Asked by reporters, the Secretary said key factors taken into consideration in the mid-term review of the city’s gaming industry included how obligations set out in the gaming concessions had been executed and the opinions of the public regarding the operations of integrated resorts. Regarding the drafting of a master plan for economic diversification, the Secretary said a proposal has been submitted to the Chief Executive. Such proposal included mid- to long-term measures for diversification of the city’s economy, in a bid to accomplish the goals under the “Centre and Platform” policies. “Centre and Platform” refers to transforming Macao into a world centre for tourism and leisure and into a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. The Government would closely monitor the expansion of the city’s non-gaming offering, which is perceived as essential to implement the “Centre and Platform” policies, Mr Leong said. The Government would also continue to optimise gaming-related regulations, in a bid to strengthen supervision of the industry. The Secretary urged casino operators to take on greater social responsibility and to provide more on-the-job training to local employees in order to help them advance their careers. The Government attaches great attention to the challenges that might arise due to the ongoing adjustment period in the gaming industry. The Government will take all necessary steps to minimise any possible impact on the city’s economy, Mr Leong added.