Xi Jinping urges Macau to avoid complacency, attract talent and take global role

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged Macau to avoid complacency, strive to attract a broad range of talent and play a bigger role on the international stage, as he visited the casino hub to mark the 25th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule and swear in its new leader.

In his keynote speech at a gala dinner on Thursday, Xi praised Macau for strengthening the foundations of its economic development and enhancing its international influence, which he said was proof of the city government’s efforts to unite all parts of society.

The audience included incoming leader Sam Hou-fai, who will be inaugurated on Friday.

Xi laid out his “three expectations” for Macau, with “embracing a broader vision” at the top of the list.

“You must keep pace with the trends of the times, and further calibrate Macau’s position. Macau needs to adopt a scientific approach in its future development planning and proactively align itself with national development strategies such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, and it could also seek to play a bigger role on the international stage,” Xi said.

His second expectation was for the city to “embrace diversity and inclusiveness”, as he urged Macau to “attract the best minds”.