Macau's Leader Commits to Maintaining 'Zero-COVID' Strategy After Delivering 2023 Policy Speech
Last updated on: November 16, 2022, 03:20h.
Devin O'Connor
Devin O'Connor (@CasinoorgDevinO)Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics
@CasinoorgDevinO
Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng emphasizes the region's commitment to adhering to China's "zero-COVID" policy in response to local infections, despite recent improvements in China's entry protocols for foreigners.
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Macau's COVID-19 Responses and China's Policy
Asia Pacific Gaming,
Claiming that the region should "persist in the policy," Ho outlined Macau's obligation to align with the People's Republic's dynamic "zero-COVID-19" policy, which includes measures like lockdowns in response to new coronavirus cases1. This statement comes amidst China's relaxation of entry protocols for internationals, bringing the quarantine period down from seven days to five2.
Commercial Gaming,
Macau's Diversification and Investment Dynamics
Legislation,
Ho's 2023 Policy Address made no mention of progress in issuing new gaming concessions, which would grant six firms, including industry giants like Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts, 10-year licenses beginning January 1, 20231. However, the discussion centered on Macau's broader aim to diversify its economy, with gaming generating over 80% of its tax revenue.1
Politics.
Ho anticipates these six companies to invest approximately MOP100 billion (US$12.4 billion) in the coming decade1. He encourages a more pragmatic synergy between gaming and non-gaming industries.1
Focus on Emerging Sectors
In the Policy Address, Ho highlighted four sectors to build upon in 2023 and beyond: "big health," modern financial services, technology, and conferences/exhibits1. This last sector, comprising meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE), holds potential for significant investment from Macau's prominent casino operators1.
Understanding Macau's Shift and Implications
reduced the number of required quarantine days for arriving travelers from seven days to five.
Macau's transition towards treating COVID-19 as an endemic disease, marked by the loosening of entry restrictions, is a growing regional trend that deviates from China's conventional "zero-COVID" approach3. Travel to Macau requires vaccination, but no additional COVID-19 related documents3. This shift in policy is expected to boost the region's economy, particularly the tourism and gaming sectors3.
roughly $2 billion investment minimums.
However, Macau's policies must balance with China's broader, evolving approach to managing COVID-19 and economic recovery3.
glitziest high-roller casinos are located, was the first to identify how casinos and MICE venues could coexist.
Footnotes:
[1] GGRAsia
[2] Channel News Asia
[3] Macau's Tourism and Creative Industries Bureau
- The author's Twitter handle for news about Asia Pacific Gaming is linked through an 'href' attribute in the 'panel__author' section, providing direct access to Devin O'Connor's tweets about the topic.
- The news article includes a PNG image to visually represent Macau's glitziest high-roller casinos, complementing the text content.
- The Macau government has issued permits to six companies, including Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts, reaffirming their presence in the region, as stated in Ho Iat Seng's Policy Address.