Deputies to China’s 12th National People’s Congress (NPC) pose for a group photo before leaving for Beijing at Macau airport
The number of tourists travelling to Macau is expected to be the main topic addressed by local delegates at the upcoming Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). As usual, the Beijing conference will take place alongside the National People’s Congress (NPC), starting this week.
According to lawmaker Leonel Alves, another of Macau’s CPPCC representatives, the tourist influx should be “the hot topic in debate.”
“We will have an opportunity to talk about issues related to Macau and its connection with the mainland in terms of economy, education and culture. The key issue will be perhaps the influx of a massive number of tourists coming from the mainland. Obviously that issue will be addressed, although I don’t foresee any concrete measures,” he told TDM at Macau airport, before leaving for Beijing.
The lawmaker added that he doesn’t agree with the idea of capping the number of Macau visitors at 31 million. He said that would go against the nature of Macau as “a free city.”
“We must adjust the infrastructure to receive the visitors. To establish a cap is not a measure conforming with my principles,” Mr Alves added.
Another topic on the agenda of local delegates will be the usage of reclamation zones currently under development: “The diversification of the local economy depends on the physical space available. Right now I can’t envisage the possibility of creating sizeable new industries or services, given the lack of space. The new reclaimed land can bring a new cycle to Macau’s development,” Leonel Alves added.
Regarding political reform, the lawmaker said that “conversations about the matter can be held” although a concrete proposal made by the Macau delegation “is not foreseeable.”
Larry So, a retired professor formerly at the Macau Polytechnic Institute, says the individual visa scheme is under analysis. “In this phase they will not announce how many tourists Macau can receive nor which provinces will be affected by an eventual change in the individual visa scheme, but these will be the issues on debate.”
According to the scholar, the city’s overcrowding must also be mended. “We have too many tourists and the Chief Executive pledged to enhance the quality of the tourist experience. A limit to the tourists that visit the region and the number of times that they can visit must be established. These questions will be addressed and some proposals will be presented to the central government.”
Francis Tam highlights regional cooperation
Former Secretary for Economy and Finance, Francis Tam, left yesterday morning for Beijing with the remaining CCPPC delegates. Tam told journalists that his focus in the meeting will be to address topics related to regional cooperation and sustainable development. Asked about his “new life” as a retiree, he said that he was still “adjusting to the slower pace” but was available to cooperate with the government if requested to do so.
Chief Executive to attend NPC opening
Chief Executive Chui Sai On is scheduled to attend the opening of the Third Plenary Session of the Twelfth National People’s Congress (NPC) on Thursday. Mr Chui will meet with the Governor of the People’s Bank of China, Zhou Xiaochuan, during his visit in the capital from tomorrow to 7 March.
Officials participating in this visit include the chief-of-office of the Chief Executive’s Office, O Lam, the director of the Government Information Bureau, Victor Chan, and the director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Fung Sio Weng.
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