Macau’s Chief Executive has doubled down on the SAR’s need to diversify its gaming-dependent economy, as the government elaborates its third five-year plan, covering 2026-2030.
Sam Hou Fai met with the working group for the five-year plan on Wednesday morning, going over some of the key points and expectations of the city’s development.
One of the key areas in focus is improving infrastructure connections with mainland China – including maritime, air and rail links.
One of the top priority projects is the construction of a high-speed rail between the Guangdong province’s capital Guangzhou and Macau’s neighboring city of Zhuhai – and the subsequent link from Zhuhai’s high-speed rail station to Hengqin.
Guangdong is the largest source of visitors to Macau, while Hengqin is increasingly viewed by the government as a type of extension of Macau, with businesses and residents being encouraged to relocate to the neighboring island.
Gaming operators in Macau have long been focused on the possibilities Hengqin could provide, with SJM developing a new $101 million hotel expected to open in early 2028. Other operators, such as MGM China, have organized study visits to the neighboring region, and are examining the synergies that could benefit their Macau operations, given Macau’s limited hotel rooms.
Despite the attention on Hengqin, its exact role in supporting Macau’s diversification efforts is still vague – with the government pushing education, science, innovation, health, tech and other areas as proposed avenues.
