2011 Macau government Policy Address

Source : Macau Business

In his policy address for 2011, Mr Chui said the government would intensify the control over the gaming industry and promote orderly and planned development. For instance, the government plans to create a database to record data of junket promoters and their associates. The government will also revise the gaming-related laws in order to promote responsible gaming.

The government has also announced a three-year training subsidy of MOP5,000 for each resident aged 15 or above, aiming to upgrade their knowledge and skills. The government expects to spend MOP500 million on this program.

Surprisingly, the government has announced it will review the Labour Law that was enacted only two years ago. The policy address also mentions that the government is planning to start working on the creation of a minimum wage next year.

With regard to the importation of workers, the government said it would adjust the number of imported workers accordingly to the needs of the local economy and when no local human resources are available. The government said it would speed up the approval of imported workers applications from small and medium companies.

Mr Chui has announced that the cash handout scheme will continue in 2011, but the amount will be lower than in 2010. In 2011, each Macau permanent resident will receive MOP4,000 while each non-permanent resident will MOP2,400.

In 2009 and 2010 respectively, Macau permanent residents were handed out MOP 6,000 while non-permanent residents MOP 3,600.

However, the government will inject MOP6,000 in each account of the central saving system. Only permanent residents are eligible to participate in this system.

Meanwhile, the health care subsidy scheme will be retained in 2011, as well as all the other livelihood subsidies.

All the tax exemptions that were in place in 2010 both for individuals and companies will also be extended to 2011.

Mr Chui also said the government will create a MOP100 million fund for environment protection and energy conservation. The goal is to help small and medium enterprises and other organizations to improve their green footprint.

Still on environment protection, the government has pledged to give a MOP60,000 tax break for buying green cars.

The government announced the transformation of the Macau-Zhuhai Cross-Border Industrial Park into a “Cross-Border Cooperation Park”. However, no more details were given on the plan.

Following what was announced previously, the government reaffirmed the goal to create a food safety centre and a fund for the cultural and creative industries.

On the real estate side, Mr Chui didn’t announce any new measures, stressing that the government will continue to implement the measures announced recently to fight property speculation.

As for the airport, the government said it needs to be repositioned and create a new long-term plan. The government will study an investment program to upgrade the infrastructure.

As for the 2011 budget, the government is expecting to get a total of MOP79.61 billion in revenue, and spend MOP57.47 billion. A surplus of MOP22.14 billion is, therefore, estimated.