The ancient charms of
Macau
In a sense it is possible to say the problems Macau has been facing through restricted entry will go away in the months to come. This is because the Chinese province of Guangdong and the Special Administrative Regions of Macau and Hong Kong are going to cooperate to develop the Pearl River Delta with the aim of turning the region into a global competitive market.
The decision was made in a meeting that took place in Hong Kong between the Vice Governor of Guangdong, Wan Qingliang, the Chief Secretary for Administration of Hong Kong, Henry Tang Ying-yen, and the Macau secretary for the Economy and Finance, Francis Tam.
If the agreements of this meeting are followed then it is effectively impossible that the flow of happy gamblers from the Mainland to Macau be restricted in any way.
The meeting followed an announcement made in January by the Chinese central government regarding the implementation of ‘The Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta 2008-2020.’
At the end the meeting it was announced that the three parties agreed to co-operate in infrastructure planning, tourism, industry, environmental protection, finance, education, training, transport and innovative technology. And the agreed to push forward the development of the new territory of Hengqin and Zhuhai-Macao Cross-Border Industrial Zone.
Adding to the comment was the Macau secretary for economy and finance who said the plan for developing the ‘Pearl River Delta defines Macau as a global center of tourism and recreation,’ and therefore the Macau government is going focus on diversifying the sector.
Well, yes, it can probably do that. A little diversification would do not harm. But all the big bucks and in gambling and you can call it tourism and education but it is about gambling.
The aim is to extend current standards for Shenzhen to all residents of Guangdong, via which residents can make multiple visits to Hong Kong within a year.
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