Gov’t surveying land plots for iconic , including a technology park

The government is currently surveying several land plots in search of a suitable location to build a technology park, Chief Executive (CE) Sam Hou Fai confirmed during a press conference held yesterday to review the inspection visit of Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the Central Committee and the State Council.

In response to media inquiries, Sam said he led a delegation accompanying Xia on visits to various land sites in Macau to assess potential locations for a technology park aimed at supporting the government’s economic diversification efforts.

“He [Xia] visited several venues and locations, all carefully selected,” Sam said. He added that the group focused on observing maritime and coastal areas, envisioning future developments aligned with these zones.

“We are making plans for maritime development. We must integrate our future projects with our country’s broader vision for the South China Sea,” Sam noted.

“These development plans must support Macau’s long-term growth and must not disrupt the Pearl River Delta region. That’s why we need to handle maritime planning with great caution. We must make full use of the maritime area granted to us by the central government. This was also a key point in the most recent Policy Address.”

“We went up to Macau Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the area. We looked at the plot in front of Ocean Gardens [Zone C] and the former Ocean World site – a large coastal stretch in Taipa. We’re going to transform this into an iconic cultural and tourism project,” the CE added.

According to Sam, Xia showed strong interest in the proposal. “A few years ago, we also proposed an ecological park in Coloane. I’d like to express appreciation to Director Xia for taking time to better understand Macau’s maritime potential, which we aim to integrate with culture, tourism, and technology.”

Another plot Xia visited was the former Jockey Club land, along with a site near Avenida Wai Long, close to the airport, both under consideration for new development projects.

Diversification to be pursued step-by-step

When asked about concrete steps to reduce Macau’s reliance on gaming and tourism, Sam acknowledged that genuine diversification “cannot be achieved in a year – or even in a single government term.” He stressed the need for gradual and sustained efforts.

“Macau has long depended on these industries. I don’t believe we can change our tax structure drastically in the short term,” he said, recalling that President Xi Jinping also raised this concern during his visit late last year. “That’s why he emphasized the need for unity.”

“I hope we can stay united and develop more measures to promote diversification,” Sam added.

“We’ve been considering innovative strategies tailored to Macau’s unique position and strengths. Many young people here are eager to work in the technology sector. For that, we need space – and that’s why we’re evaluating plots like the former Jockey Club and Wai Long. They may not be suited for manufacturing, but they can support other tech-driven developments.”

He emphasized that Xia had encouraged a “slow, well-planned, and steady” approach to these changes. “It might take time, but we must move step by step,” the CE said.

US casinos are protected under Macau’s rule of law: CE

In response to concerns about potential retaliation against U.S.-owned casinos amid U.S.-China trade tensions, Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said Macau would not take such action, emphasizing that all six gaming operators are safeguarded by the city’s legal framework.

“As Chief Executive, I must state clearly that all six gaming concessions operate legally in Macau, and we will strictly uphold the rule of law. As long as they comply with local laws, they are protected by our legal framework.”

“Macau welcomes investment from all countries – including the USA. At present, we are especially focused on attracting investment in the technology sector,” he added.

“We aim to collaborate with the commercial and industrial sectors to draw international talent into our workforce. The priority is to bring in high-end professionals for tech development, particularly from Portugal and Spain, but also from other regions. Our policies are not directed at or limited to any specific country.”