Xia heads to Macau for a weeklong inspection

Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director Xia Baolong is arriving today for a seven-day visit to Macau to gain insights into the enclave's recent social and economic progress.

The Macau government announced that this inspection visit, lasting until May 19, will facilitate a better understanding of the gaming hub's societal and economic developments.

"On behalf of Macau, I would like to thank the central government for its caring and support toward us throughout the years, and would like to welcome director Xia to visit us after a year," the gaming hub's chief executive Ho Iat-seng said.

"The (Macau) SAR government will make appropriate arrangements to ensure Xia's inspection visit will be smooth and successful," he added.

Macau lawmaker Lei Leong-wong said this year marks the 25th anniversary of Macau's handover, while the enclave's administration will also change its term.

"I think Xia's visit is to learn more about Macau to facilitate the Central Government's guidance work on Macau," Lei said, adding that he is unsure whether lawmakers will get a chance to meet with Xia.

"I expect Xia will continue keeping an eye on the development of Macau's industries, while I hope he can also understand more about the operation of Macau's micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the aging population and youth development," he added.

Lei also hopes that Xia will come up with more policies benefiting Macau after his visit.

Macau's Travel Industry Council chairman Andy Wu Keng-kuong said he hopes Xia will inspect the current situation of Macau's tourism, and expedite the policy relaxation to facilitate Guangdong citizens' crossing the border into Macau.

Compared to his previous four-day trip from May 23 to 26 last year, Xia will extend his stay in Macau by four days. During his previous visit, Xia engaged in "yum cha" sessions with patriotic individuals who held an affinity for Macau.

He also conducted seminars with Ho Iat-seng and high-ranking officials from the enclave's administration, legislature and judiciary. During the visit, Xia presented six requests to foster the development of the Macau SAR. These requests included emphasizing the full and accurate implementation of the principle of One Country, Two Systems, enhancing efforts to safeguard national security, promoting unity among individuals who love both the country and Macau, developing Hengqin, and elevating overall governance and management standards.

Xia's current visit follows his previous seven-day trip to Hong Kong in February of this year, where he listened to government officials' reports on their work concerning the economy, livelihood and district administration. Xia held meetings with top officials, members of the Executive Council and Legislative Council and district councillors during his stay.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com