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Macao unveils first five-year plan to set comprehensive development targets

Xinhua, September 8, 2016 Adjust font size:

Macao unveils the final version of its first five-year plan on Thursday, after almost one year's preparation. The plan sets out comprehensive development targets for the special administrative region (SAR), focusing on citizen's livelihood and Macao's diversified economy.

Macao SAR Chief Executive Chui Sai On and senior government officials held a press conference when publishing the final plan. Chui said the final version has 48,000 characters on the basis of a draft issued on April 26, 2016, and absorbed the suggestions from citizens and civil groups.

The plan said the principle of making development targets, is to make the best use of "One Country Two System" policy and the advantage of Macao, to promote long-term stability and prosperity of Macao.

The plan has 27 cessions to illustrate seven major targets, including maintaining stable economic growth, improving the structure of industries, improving its role as an international tourist city, raising the life quality of the residents and the quality of education, protecting environment, and strengthening the efficiency of the government and deepening the building of the legal system.

The plan also prioritizes infrastructure projects for next five years, such as the construction of a light railway network, a fourth bridge between Macao and Taipa, expanding a waste incinerator, and building an electronic surveillance system.

"The experience that the government has learned shows that short-term plans would not help us handle the changing situation, nor promote SAR's public governance", Chui Sai On said in a recent interview with Xinhua reporter.

"The long-term plan made with higher standards and vision is necessary for Macao's future development. The plan is not made in haste, the SAR needs it, the people want it," he added.

Yin Yifen, Associate Professor in Social, Economic and Public Policy Research Center of Macao Polytechnic Institute, said Macao's economy has undergone deep adjustment and some deep-rooted contradictions been emerged. To solve those problem, the SAR government should take the responsibility, respond actively, and strengthen the strategic planning for long-term development.

Macao started drafting its first five-year plan in October 2015, when a special committee was appointed to research and make a plan for Macao to become a world leisure and tour center in the mid 2030's. The SAR government had held over 40 public meetings to collect civil opinions and suggestions to this plan. Endit