Next Macau leader Sam Hou-fai eyes talks with Hong Kong on complementary roles
Chief executive-designate Sam Hou-fai says both places can better complement each other and integrate into national plans
Macau’s incoming chief executive has said he will meet his Hong Kong counterpart after assuming office to discuss how the two cities can better complement each other in their integration into the country’s development.
Chief executive-designate Sam Hou-fai introduced his top officials to the public on Sunday and responded to a question about competition between Hong Kong and Macau, saying the latter’s development in the finance sector was not “comparable”.
But he emphasised that the two cities had distinct roles in national development strategies and possessed “tremendous potential” to benefit one another, especially in tourism.
“After assuming office, I believe I will discuss with [Hong Kong] Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu about … how to make full use of our respective advantages to complement each other, promote mutual development and utilise our strengths in the process of integrating into national development,” he said.
Sam led the 10 newly appointed officials to meet the press for the first time, a day after the State Council approved their nominations for the government’s sixth term. The officials will be inaugurated on December 20.
Half of them will be stepping into new roles. Tai Kin-ip will replace Lei Wai-nong to serve as secretary for economy and finance, overseeing tourism and economic diversification – key areas that Sam has said he will target to reduce reliance on gaming revenue.
