Gov’t hopes coastal waters management approved this year

The Sai Van Bridge, Macau

The MSAR has officially applied to the Central Government for the management of Macau’s coastal waters. The Chief Executive, Chui Sai On, hopes that Beijing’s approval will be made within this year.
Speaking on Monday at the airport before leaving for a two-day visit to Zhoushan, in Zhejiang province, Chui told reporters that the government has formed a task group to actively engage in discussions with related departments from the mainland over customary waters. The task of defining the role of Macau on the management of its own coastal waters is currently directed by the central government. When visiting Macau last December, Chinese president Xi Jinping announced that China and Macau have begun preparations to implement changes to the system.
The CE was also asked about the financial situation of the region. Mr Chui said that he was optimistic about this year’s fiscal surplus despite Macau undergoing a period of consolidation.
He stressed that the government would devote its best efforts to managing the budget proposal for the coming year, and ensuring that the financial surplus is used in projects outlined in the Policy Address.
Regarding the Macau (Yat Yuen) Canidrome, the CE said it has commissioned the Institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming of the University of Macau to do an in-depth study of the concession issue.
Chui Sai On said that the government would heed the people’s opinion on the issue, adding there were several factors to consider, such as the component of diversified gaming, continuity of dog racing in Macau, suitability for the development in its neighboring area, the location, and the possibility of combining the dog and horse races.