Attending the plenary meeting of the Legislative Assembly on 17^th November, MSAR Chief Executive Chui Sai On delivered his Policy Address for fiscal 2016, in which he mentioned the need to accelerate urban construction for world tourism opportunities, expand the international visitor base and introduce new 'multi-destination' travel itineraries. In addition, he called for the development of diverse tourism products and the promotion of quality leisure travel, adding that the 'Historic Centre of Macao Conservation and Management Plan' will be completed next year; meanwhile, the government will study the gentrification of Mong Ha villas.

The Policy Address - focusing on 'livelihoods, boosting the economy, and ensuring stable development' - addressed four major areas: continuing to enhance the quality of residents' livelihood, promoting moderate economic pluralism, developing a livable city and deepening reform of public administration.

Regarding promoting moderate economic pluralism, the Policy Address identified the need to deepen 'world tourist city construction', whilst promoting the development of tourism, and continuing to research and assess the city's tourism capacity. At the same time, crowd control measures enacted for festival periods and the further improvement of tourism statistics is deemed necessary to more accurately reflect the monitoring of tourism development.

It was acknowledged that the city could not solely rely on promoting gaming enterprises to develop large-scale integrated tourism projects; there is also a need to increase efforts to foster the growth of the convention and exhibition industry, cultural and creative projects, and the development of the Traditional Chinese Medicine industry. Comprehensive statistical indicators are to be compiled for these three emerging industry sectors.

The government will study the blueprints for the 'Development of Convention and Exhibition Industries in Macao' next year, research and launch the 'Cultural Industry Incentive Scheme', and set up a relevant information service platform to enhance the overall strength of the cultural industry. In order to support community consumption, the government will organize the 'Study Group for Community Economic Development' to help local specialty retail outlets open up space for development.

Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Alexis Tam attends the plenary meeting of the Legislative Assembly on 3^rd December to expand upon the social and cultural dimensions of the 2016 fiscal year policy.

For more details of the 'Policy Address of the Fiscal Year 2016', please visit:
www.policyaddress.gov.mo/policy/home.php?lang=en