Macau Business. By Aries Un. 13 May 2025
Chief Executive Sam Ho Fai has pledged to protect foreign business interests in Macau as long as they comply with local regulations.
The promise was made by the city’s leader during a press conference held on the heels of the departure of the country’s top official overseeing Hong Kong and Macau.
Addressing questions over the pace of the city’s industrial diversification, Sam called on concerted efforts to expedite the ongoing transition by implementing effective measures.
However, he admitted that it would be challenging to shift away from casino dependence within “a short period” or “even a few years”.
Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office Xia Balong was in town for a six-day inspection visit, during which he met with representatives of the business and trade circles.
He urged the city’s businesspeople to safeguard national prosperity and sovereignty, emphasising the close links between entrepreneurial success and national well-being.
Asked about whether the ongoing tug-of-war between the country and the United States in trade would impact a section of the gaming sector, Sam reiterated legal protections for foreign businesses in the city.
“All foreign investors—not just casinos—must receive government protection for their developments in Macau, provided they grow in a healthy and orderly manner and remain compliant with local laws and regulations,” said Sam.
Macau saw its gross domestic product down by 1.3 per cent in real terms to MOP99.78 billion (US$12.49 billion) in the first quarter.
This dip followed a period of strong economic recovery in 2023 and a gradual stabilisation in 2024, where the year-on-year growth rate slowed from 23 per cent in the first quarter to 3.4 per cent in the last.
As part of its strategies in response to a shifting economic landscape, Sam said that the government would continue to ramp up international promotions in cooperation with business operators – targeting Portugal, Spain and Southeast Asia.
The Guangdong authorities recently announced similar plans to draw high-quality investment from abroad, with business delegations set for various destinations including Europe, the US, and Asia.
