Macau’s newly appointed Secretary for Economy and Finance, Ng Wai Han, has pledged to push forward the city’s economic diversification efforts, describing the current period as a crucial stage in Macau’s economic transition.
Speaking to reporters after attending a Legislative Assembly plenary session, Ng said Macau faces a range of challenges as it works to strengthen long-term economic resilience and reduce reliance on the gaming sector.
She added that she and her team would work under the leadership of Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai to achieve the government’s economic and financial policy objectives.
Ng, who officially took office earlier this week, said she immediately began meeting with departments and entities under her portfolio to gain a comprehensive understanding of their operations and priorities.
Drawing on her previous experience in public administration and government service, Ng noted that she had worked closely with departments under the economy and finance portfolio throughout her career. She said that experience would help her lead efforts to accelerate Macau’s strategy of appropriate economic diversification.
A key focus will remain the promotion of non-gaming industries. Ng said the government would continue utilizing existing policy tools, including government guidance funds and investment commitments made by Macau’s integrated resort operators, to support projects outside the gaming sector and broaden the city’s economic base.
She also emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and community economic development. Citing the recently launched “Tourism and Leisure Buses” initiative, which encourages visitors to explore different districts of the city, Ng said similar efforts would continue to be developed to spread tourism benefits more widely across local communities.
Looking ahead, she pledged to strengthen communication with small and medium-sized enterprises to better understand their needs and introduce more targeted support measures.
The Secretary for Economy and Finance is responsible for Macau’s economic, financial and gaming-related policies
