Interview
Dora Ng Wai Han, secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government, has told Xinhua that promoting appropriate economic diversification is a pivotal task for the MSAR Government during the 3rd Five-Year Plan period.
The Third Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the MSAR (2026–2030) was released last Tuesday. Ng provided an in-depth interpretation during a recent media interview, focusing on the key economic and financial aspects of the Plan.
She noted that the MSAR Government will focus on the “1+4” industrial framework. It aims to consolidate the advantages of the comprehensive tourism and leisure industry while boosting the competitiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and health, modern finance, high technology, MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions), trade, culture, and sports. The government will also fully leverage the role of government guidance funds to step up external investment attraction.
According to the Plan, Macao targets raising the non-gaming sector’s share of added value to around 60 percent of GDP by 2030.
The MSAR Government aims to establish the government guidance fund within this year. Ng explained that the fund will utilize public finance to create a leverage effect, pooling social resources to invest in key sectors and projects. This initiative will enhance Macao’s overall competitiveness and drive economic momentum.
She emphasised that project sourcing and selection must support Macao’s long-term development, align with the industrial layout, and possess core competitiveness in innovation and technology.
Regarding technological innovation, Ng highlighted the Macao International Science and Technology Innovation Center as a pioneering project for the development of the Macao R&D Industrial Park. Under the 3rd Five-Year Plan, the government will rely on this center to connect with leading global technology firms and top R&D institutions, aiming to secure flagship projects early to lay a solid foundation for the R&D park.
To promote the commercialization of scientific research achievements, Macao will leverage online industry-university-research matching platforms, guide universities to meet enterprise needs, encourage joint laboratories, and accelerate technology transfer.
Ng added that economic momentum comes from both frontier industries and local community vitality. The government will support the high-quality, sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by boosting their competitiveness and revitalizing the local community economy.
Specifically, the MSAR Government will drive full digital transformation for SMEs, offer targeted financial support and training, help them leverage cross-border e-commerce, and advance district revitalization to encourage tourists to explore and spend in local neighborhoods.
Addressing opportunities in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Ng stated that during the 3rd Five-Year Plan period, the SAR Government will focus on the “Macao + Hengqin” positioning. Targeting “Macao-Hengqin Integration,” Macao will fully advance Phase II high-level construction of the zone to achieve strong economic synergy, deep rule alignment, and the efficient cross-border flow of key production factors. – Xinhua
N.B. The translation of the unabridged statement from Chinese was arranged, reviewed and edited by The Macau Post Daily
Secretary for Economy and Finance Dora Ng Wai Han speaks during a media interview about Macao's 3rd Five-Year Plan on August 14. – Xinhua
