The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences together with Macau University of Science and Technology Institute for Social and Cultural Research, released its 2017 China Urban Competitiveness Report (Macao) in June. The report indicated that the comprehensive economic competitiveness index of Macao is 0.457, and is ranked 8^th in 294 cities of prefecture level, up one place from last year.

The liveability competitiveness index and the sustainable competitiveness index reached 0.809 and 0.706, respectively, ranked 4^th and 8^th in 289 cities of prefecture level.

In two main sections of the comprehensive competitiveness index, due to economic adjustment, Macao is currently unable to grow in its index of competitiveness but because its economy is highly concentrated the territory still outranks all cities in its index of competitiveness in overall efficiency.

In six main sections of the sustainable competitiveness index, Macao has a clear advantage in urban competitiveness in knowledge, urban competitiveness in culture, whole-range urban competitiveness and urban competitiveness information. By contrast, Macao has a comparative disadvantage in urban competitiveness in terms of harmony and urban competitiveness in ecology.

The analysis indicates that by optimizing industrial structure Macao can stabilize economic fluctuations, and consolidate and provide growth in its comprehensive competitiveness. Having reached the maximum in the comprehensive competitiveness index, Macao can join the Greater Bay Area and more fully integrate into the region. Its 'Belt and road' initiative advantage, twinned with the territory's Sino-Portuguese speaking countries commercial platform, means the MSAR can develop economic diversity whilst increasing its competitiveness.

The analysis also indicates that Macao can improve the development of its non-gaming industry and quality of the gaming industry; understand the city positioning and proactively participate in regional co-operation; develop its smart city aspirations and accelerate high-tech development; increase investment in high-end education, scientific research; and upgrade human capital in Macao, enabling Macao to maintain a high position in sustainable competitiveness.