The Government is paying heed to the business environment for local small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and to possible changes in the labour market, said today the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac.

Mr Leong noted the business environment in Macao remained relatively stable. The Government would be vigilant and would adopt measures to maintain the current high employment rate.

The Secretary made the comments this morning after the reception hosted by the Government in celebration of the 17th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region.

There were still uncertainties in other economies, which might affect the stability of Macao, despite the year-on-year increase in gross gaming revenue recorded for several months recently, said Mr Leong.

The Macao Economic Services would pay close attention regarding any changes in the business environment, such as increases in property rental prices or in the salaries paid to employees. The Labour Affairs Bureau would closely monitor the labour market and would enhance the services it offers, such as employment matching and occupational training.

Issues relating to the livelihood of the people are the top priority of the Government, said Mr Leong.

In addition, Mr Leong commented on the Government’s decision regarding renewal of the contract with Macao (Yut Yuen) Canidrome Co Ltd. He stated the company would need to consider – prior to 20 July 2018 – if it wanted to keep operating its dog racing business.

If the company were to choose that option, it would need to find a new location. Any new site would need to comply with urban planning rules in general and, in particular, would need to avoid creating any negative effect on local people’s livelihoods. Dog racing business also needed to fulfil international requirements.

Regarding the idea that allowing the importation of non-resident workers for driver positions would be positive for the Macao economy, Mr Leong said different views had been expressed within society: the Government needed to study in depth the matter and to pay careful attention to opinions from the business sector and the labour sector.

The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, speaks to reporters.