Macau, China, 17 Mar – Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On promised Tuesday that the government will "control the scope and development pace of the gaming industry."
Chui said that the government wants that the gaming industry contribute to the sustainable development of other economic activities.
The chief executive during his policy address in the Legislative Assembly also announced the strengthening of measures to prevent and treat problem gambling and to promote "responsible gambling."
He also reaffirmed that no gaming-related developments will be allowed on the planned 350-hectare land reclamation projects green-lighted by the central government last year.
Chui also announced, in a press conference, that the government could repossess non used plots of land granted to casino operators.
"If for a long period of time, (the casino operator) has no plan or has not fulfilled the (terms of the government’s) land concession agreement, the government will solve the problem based on legal procedures," Chui said.
He added that part of the plots of land possibly taken back by the government would be reserved for public housing or for the development of small residential properties.
Chui stressed that the possible repossession procedure will be "transparent," adding that Secretary for Transport and Public Works Lau Si Io will provide the public with related information.
Lau will also head a new consultative committee in April to plan for the city’s future public housing policy, according to Chui.
(MacauNews)
