China’s Xi swears in new leader of casino hub Macau
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the casino hub of Macau to diversify its economy as he swore in the new government on Friday at an event to mark the 25th anniversary of the former Portuguese colony’s handover to China.
New Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai – Macau’s first leader born in mainland China – vowed to address the territory’s unbalanced and disorganized economic development.
Since the handover in 1999, the city of 687,000 has transformed from a monopoly-run gambling enclave into the world’s largest gaming hub, attracting hordes of tourists from mainland China. The casino boom has improved living standards, but officials worry that the semi-autonomous city’s economy is unhealthily dependent on the industry.
Some young people say the tourism-dominated economy has limited their career options and the city’s diverse development. Critics say years of easy money from tourists have discouraged local businesses from innovating and improving, with many residents relying on personal connections to solve problems rather than civic engagement.
During a gala dinner on Thursday, Xi praised Macau’s progress on economic diversification over the past five years and its strong international influence. He called for the city to expand its international role by attracting global talents to build a better Macau.
On Friday, he said the city should step up its industrial development plan, strengthen policy support and boost investment to foster internationally competitive new industries, something observers said would be more than before. There were stronger and more specific comments.
“The government of the special administrative region and all sectors of society must pay more attention to young people and create better environments and conditions for their growth, talent development and fulfillment of their aspirations,” he said.
Sam has promised to accelerate plans to promote tourism and other sectors such as Chinese medicine, finance, technology, exhibitions and commerce.
Although political activism in Macau has never seriously challenged Beijing, authorities have tightened control in recent years, especially after months of massive anti-government protests in Hong Kong in 2019.
Vocal political dissent has been largely silenced. A vigil commemorating China’s military crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989 was banned, and pro-democracy figures were barred from competing in legislative elections. Last year, the city tightened its national security laws.
“National sovereignty, security and development interests are paramount,” Xi said, noting the need to protect the city’s autonomy. He said security is a prerequisite for development and residents should cherish the stability and peace achieved through their hard work.
Like neighboring Hong Kong, Macau is governed under a system separate from the rest of China that allows it to retain elements of Western-style economic and social systems. It is the only Chinese city where casino gambling is legal.
Beijing’s policy agenda is now dominating Macau’s development, with the casino hub deepening economic ties and social integration with neighboring Guangdong province.
China has designated a special zone on Hengqin Island in neighboring Zhuhai city, which is jointly run by Guangdong and Macau, to help foster new industries. That area is planned to have approximately 120,000 Macau residents by 2035.
Xi said Macau should actively participate in the Greater Bay Area Initiative, which Beijing aims to link Macau, Hong Kong and nine other Guangdong cities into an economic powerhouse.
Xi is scheduled to complete his three-day visit to Macau on Friday. During his stay, he visited a university, special zone on Hengqin Island and participated in a grand cultural display. He also met with former city leaders of Macau and the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, among others.