The head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office has discussed the impact of the US-China trade dispute with Macau officials, attempting to assuage concerns but pushing for diversification away from gaming.
According to RTHK, the trade dispute was highlighted in a seminar with officials, including Macau’s new Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai.
One delegate told media that Xia Baolong indicated that the tariff conflict “will likely continue for a period of time, having a major impact on the entire world”.
The delegate furthered that “he said it will certainly be painful. We may not know how long the pain will last, but we all have to face it”.
In a separate seminar with Macau lawmakers, the affairs office head dished out praise for Macau’s enacting of legislation on gambling and national security, as well as electoral reform, but stressed that Macau needs to diversify its economy.
Xia Baolong was in Macau for a multi-day visit, encompassing many of the SAR’s top tourist sites, as well as meetings with top officials and social groups.
The question of whether Macau’s casino operators could be caught in the middle of the trade dispute has been raised multiple times, as discussions had appeared to reach a stalemate before the weekend.
However, US President Donald Trump attempted to shine a positive light on the topic after US-China trade talks took place in Switzerland.
Trump claimed there had been a “total reset” in trade relations between the two economic giants after the first day of meetings between US and Chinese officials. Talks between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng continued on Sunday.
