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The government has now made it clear that the unwinding process for its satellite casino industry is progressing well, with major clearing taking place only days before the deadline on December 31. It has been reported that almost 3,500 employees have already been hired for fresh jobs, an important step in the transition process to be carried out without large-scale labor disruption. According to officials, there have been no complaints so far, reflecting the orderly exit strategy.
A Legal and Orderly Transition
Speaking to reporters after a reception on Saturday marking the 26th anniversary of the Macau SAR, Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai referred to the transition period of three years foreseen for license expiry under the gaming law. The government had formed an interdepartmental coordination body to manage the procedures for the halt in gaming activities. The body was charged with ensuring that the whole process was in line with the law and that stability in society was achieved. The labor arrangements for these long-established operations have been complex and community impacts need to be minimized when those operations shut down.
Mitigate Economic Impact on Local Businesses
Beyond labor concerns, the government is acutely aware of the possible economic spillover on nearby commercial districts. The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Tai Kin Ip, has mentioned that officials are watching business conditions closely in areas like NAPE and ZAPE, where most of the satellite casinos are concentrated. He stressed this in support, explaining that the government is in close contact with local merchants to understand their needs in this current adjustment period.
The government, for its part, has implemented measures to draw in more foot traffic and consumption. Basic measures have been improved: infrastructure by widening the pedestrian crossings to link districts together. Additionally, officials have organized events like the international light and shadow festival, extending its reach into the NAPE area with more themed festivals planned for the near future.
Revitalizing the Inner Streets
In a move to bring life into the affected neighborhoods, relevant departments have issued operating licenses allowing restaurants located on inner streets to set up outdoor seating. Secretary Tai said operators have responded well to the measure because it opens a new channel for luring customers. The government will continue to monitor the operating conditions of community businesses while improving support measures through inter-departmental coordination.
Diversification Remains the Core Strategy
Separately, Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai shared insights from his recent duty visit to Beijing, where President Xi Jinping expressed full recognition of the Macau SAR government’s efforts. A key focus of this commendation was the administration’s work promoting appropriate economic diversification. Sam reiterated that given Macau’s economic structure and the complex external environment, pursuing moderate economic diversification is not just a policy goal but a practical necessity supported by central authorities.
Looking Forward to the Greater Bay Area
Currently, the SAR government is promoting four big projects that are supposed to create a wider socio-economic spillover and provide a long-awaited decrease in its dependency on gaming. The Chief Executive called on society to forge consensus and reinforce coordination with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and the Hengqin cooperation zone. Moving in step with regional partners, Macau is supposed to jointly push forward the work of diversification and guarantee that the end of the satellite casino era is also the beginning of a much more balanced and resistant economic future.
Source: Asia Gaming Brief (AGB)
