Local maritime sovereignty discussions in full swing

The chief of the Macao Customs Service, Lai Man Wa, stressed on a TDM show that the significance of delimiting local marine sovereignty lies in how the local economy could benefit from its implementation. The official further disclosed that the authorities have been in discussion with the relevant mainland departments and experts to hammer out the most productive scheme while research and investigations are underway.
“How the water resources off the city’s coast could be better exploited by the government to support this tiny city’s development is a good direction to go in,” said the department head. “And the research and inquiry are in full swing.”
She also described the current situation using a Cantonese slang phrase – “barely touch it even in eyesight” – to highlight that the marine authorities’ work was only conducted within the nautical area currently under local government supervision.
Lai’s department has also initially prepared itself for any possible adjustments when the water sovereignty scheme, which might require broader resources for security force patrols, finally comes into force. Moreover, maritime security remained a matter for collaboration with related departments from the mainland, said Lai. Staff reporter