President Calls for Economic Diversification Beyond Gambling During Three-Day Visit
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Macao on Wednesday (Dec 18) to celebrate 25 years of the former Portuguese territory’s return to Chinese rule. His three-day visit marks his third trip to the gambling hub as president and comes amid continued efforts to reduce the region’s heavy reliance on its casino industry.
Macao, the world’s largest gambling centre, has an economy dominated by the casino sector, which accounts for approximately 80 per cent of its tax revenue. Despite this dependence, Xi has consistently advocated for economic diversification and sustainable development since taking office in 2013. His presence during this milestone signals renewed attention on shifting priorities to mitigate risks associated with the gaming sector and regional economic dependency.
Greeting Xi upon his arrival were dozens of schoolchildren waving yellow and red flowers and lion dancers performing traditional welcomes. At the airport, Xi described Macao as “the jewel of the motherland” and emphasised his longstanding concern for the well-being of its 700,000 residents. He stated, “I will take a walk, have a look, and have extensive and in-depth exchanges with friends from all walks of life to discuss Macao’s development plans.”
During his trip, Xi is expected to attend a banquet dinner and a cultural performance on Thursday at the Macao Dome, situated near the Cotai Strip, the city’s iconic Las Vegas-style district. On Friday, Xi will participate in the official anniversary ceremony as well as the inauguration of Sam Hou Fai, Macao’s new Chief Executive. Sam, a fluent Portuguese speaker originally from Guangdong province, is the first leader of Macao to be born and raised in mainland China.
Sam has laid out plans to prioritise non-gaming sectors, focusing on economic diversification, infrastructure projects, and regional development, particularly between Macao and Portuguese-speaking nations as well as cities within the Greater Bay Area. His administration has already rolled out strategies aimed at boosting tourism, leisure, and trade while steering away from economic reliance on the high-roller gambling sector, which has faced challenges amid Beijing’s anti-corruption policies.
Ahead of Xi’s visit, Macao implemented heightened security measures, with key areas of the city closed to ensure smooth proceedings. The streets were decorated with Chinese flags and red banners to mark the significant milestone. Casino operators prominently displayed welcome messages for Xi, symbolising both the region’s economic dependence and its commitment to cooperation with Beijing.
Xi’s visit signals a pivotal moment as Macao reflects on its journey under Chinese governance while charting a path forward focused on resilience, diversification, and cross-regional collaboration.
