No more studies and experiments
During a Legislative Assembly session that took place in March, several legislators spoke of the need to diversify the economy.
MB June 2020 Special Report | Diversification now or never
There were those who asked for more investment in traditional industries, some pointed to the need to organize more sports and cultural events, while others suggested that casino concessionaires should bear the responsibility of revitalizing a given district or area or even creating an industry for the production of gaming cards and slot machines.
For almost 15 years, Beijing has been urging Macau to diversify its economy, but this has yet to come into fruition. One after another each member comes to parliament and leaves a suggestion so different and opposed to the previous one that its sounds like a completely out-of-synch orchestra.
There is a time to discuss and a period to move forward.
Almost15 years is more than enough to deliver results.
Hence, Ho Iat Seng’s words in his maiden Policy Address could not have been more radical and clear as MICE and creative and cultural industries together account for less than one per cent of the SAR’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“The excessive and prolonged dependence on the gambling and tourism sector, and if the monolithic nature of the industrial structure remains unchanged, will hinder the sustainable development of the Macau economy,” a Chief Executive statement that will be remembered many years from now.
This, and much more, is what we promise in this special report, making use of the best pundits that Macau has at its disposal.
Once and for all: is Hengqin the way forward? Let us then follow this path swiftly and in force!
Co-ordinated by João Paulo Meneses
Doctor, doctor, give me the news
Gambling: problem and solution
No land, no manpower, no infrastructure
“Moderate” or “adequate”
It may just be a matter of synonyms, but we had to understand what’s really in it
