New Chief Executive Promises to protect Macau’s Gaming and Tourism Industry

Ho Iat Seng, the new Chief Executive of Macau, has promised to protect the future of Macau’s gaming and tourism industries.

Speaking at a media conference in Beijing, Ho pointed to the “one country, two systems” principle and national security law as playing an important role in the stability of the city which in turn was vital to its ongoing prosperity.

“One can see that Macau has been doing quite well over the past 20 years in the one country aspect, including the enactment of a national security law. With such legislation, we can prevent interference by foreign influences. If they dare to come to intervene, we will make use of our law to safeguard the one country. We won’t allow foreign influences to have a hand in Macau’s affairs,” Ho said.

“Macau cannot afford to fall into chaos. Macau is a tourism city. Our major revenue comes from tourism and the gaming industry. We need to protect people’s livelihood,” Ho added.

Asked about the impending expiration of Macau’s six gaming concessions and sub-concessions in 2022 and the progress of plans for re-tendering, Ho explained that a draft had already been developed which would be refined and amended once the new administration takes over in December.