As Macau Business regularly reports, the SAR is undergoing unprecedented economic growth which is far stronger than anyone could have predicted even a few years ago.
From one perspective, times have never been better for Macau and its citizens: Unemployment is the lowest it has ever been; average salaries are up an estimated 40 percent; GDP grew by about 30 percent last year; and the small business community is growing exponentially.
As could be expected, challenges accompany the magnitude of such growth and prosperity. A labour shortage threatens – and in some areas has already surfaced – as estimates show that upwards of 100,000 people will be needed to service the tourists that will pour into Macau. Local infrastructure is also being severely tested, not only in transportation, but greater demand for electricity and water could also be overwhelming. Furthermore, the attractiveness of the commercial casino gaming industry has caught the attention of neighbours. Casinos are being built in Singapore, while Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan consider the prospects for gaming. How will this impact Macau?
Growth and prosperity are difficult to attain and once attained, are a challenge to maintain. In order to nourish the progress made in Macau – and solidify gains – it is important for all elements of the community to come together to meet the challenges.
We in the US commercial casino gaming sector have found that working with the government to identify the needs that must be addressed and then cooperating to find solutions has worked well. By combining the expertise of the private sector with the oversight mechanisms of government, we have discovered a comfortable nexus for cooperation.
For example, in the area of regulation it is important to ensure the integrity of our business. We work closely with governmental entities to ensure a high level of transparency so that the public recognises that fair play pervades. The importance of promoting corporate responsibility cannot be overstated, especially in a sensitive area like responsible gambling; there are people who simply cannot gamble responsibly. It is important to recognise their difficulties, educate the public about them and about the determination of the industry to better understand and address the malady.
One of the most successful ways to review and address the many elements comprising and supporting the commercial casino gaming industry in Macau and the world is to facilitate the congregation of industry, government and academic leaders in the field: The inaugural Global Gaming Expo Asia (G2E Asia) held last year in Macau was such a meeting and its success convinced us of the wisdom of producing G2E Asia 2008 scheduled for 3-5 June 2008 at The Venetian Macao Exhibition Center.
The trade show aspect of G2E Asia already boasts more than 125 exhibitors who have claimed space on the more than 85,000-square-foot exhibition floor – three times larger than last year's floor size. Perhaps more importantly, an expanded, multi-track conference programme will delve deeper into the real and complex issues which our industry and the entire region must grapple with.
Success and challenges embrace Macau – the future will be determined by the manner in which all of us handle this success and meet the attendant challenges. G2E Asia offers one forum in which we can be educated and learn together how best to move forward.

Frank Fahrenkopf
President and CEO of the American Gaming Association