A high-ranking Chinese representative, Zhang Dejiang, stressed the significance of Macau broadening its economic activities to ensure future prosperity, assuring assistance from the mainland in this pursuit.
Throughout his three-day trip, Zhang also committed to simplifying visa procedures to facilitate travel between mainland China and Macau, aiming to stimulate tourism.
Addressing a gathering at the Macau East Asian Games Dome, Zhang delineated Macau’s “strategic placement” and commended the territory for its achievements since its handover to China in 1999.
He noted, however, that Macau is at a “critical point” in its progress.
While he refrained from directly referencing the gaming sector, the Chinese administration has previously established objectives for Macau to evolve into an international hub for recreation and tourism, reducing its dependence on gambling.
This development coincides with Macau’s gaming revenue experiencing a substantial year-over-year surge of 16.3% in April, reaching 20.2 billion patacas (approximately US$2.52 billion), as reported by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau. The gaming industry presently constitutes roughly half of Macaus GDP.
