New economy chief debuts with ASEAN tourism call

Newly appointed Secretary for Economy and Finance Ng Wai Han made her first public appearance yesterday, telling an Indonesia business forum that tourism is a key area for Macau-Indonesia cooperation and expressing hope for joint efforts with ASEAN members to drive regional tourism recovery and sustainable development.

Representing the Chief Executive at the forum, Ng underscored the importance of Macau-Indonesia cooperation across multiple key areas – including trade and economic exchanges, conventions and exhibitions, and business collaboration – which she noted have laid a solid foundation for further expanding the Belt and Road market.

She cited figures showing that Macau’s imports from Indonesia totaled MOP1.64 billion last year, with first-quarter imports for 2026 already surpassing MOP400 million.

Indonesian enterprises have consistently participated in flagship events such as the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum & Exhibition (IIICF) and the Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair over the years. Moreover, a joint delegation of mainland Chinese and Macau enterprises visited Indonesia late last year, establishing bridges for practical cooperation with the local business community.

The Secretary further noted in her address that Macau recorded a record-breaking 40 million visitor arrivals last year, with Indonesia ranking as the city’s third-largest international source market.

She identified tourism as one of the most promising areas for cooperation between Macau and Indonesia. The Macau government attaches great importance to addressing the needs of Indonesian Muslim travelers, including through the continued promotion of halal dining options, with a number of local food producers and restaurants already having obtained halal certification.

Reportedly, more than 60 people attended the forum, including Indonesia’s Consul General in Hong Kong, North Sulawesi’s Governor, the Indonesian Ambassador to China and Mongolia, and the Tourism Minister, with the Acting Consul General saying Indonesia sees Macau as a “key partner” with world-class tourism, MICE, and hospitality expertise.