The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today inspected the Northern District and listened to the views of industry representatives from the district to learn about the business environment of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

Talking to reporters after the visit, Mr Chui said the major concerns raised by residents of the Northern District were the lack of tourist facilities, insufficient promotion of the district, high rents and manpower shortage.

He added that residents in the neighbourhood hoped the government could enhance the quality of life, enrich tourism resources and improve the business environment of the Northern District through urban renewal.

The Chief Executive noted that today’s visit had given him a better understanding of the issues facing the Northern District, which would be tackled in the upcoming Policy Address.

Mr Chui believed that the new Macao-Zhuhai passageway, together with the Northern District urban renewal project and the Light Rapid Transit project, would help improve the business and living environments of the Northern District.

He revealed that the government would make full use of the land near the new Macao-Zhuhai border crossing for the development of public housing and tourist facilities; and the government would also consider allowing local SMEs to participate in the tender for construction of budget hotels.

Meanwhile Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lao Si Io, who accompanied Mr Chui in today’s visit, said the new pedestrian passageway between Macao and Zhuhai would mark a new milestone in the development of the Northern District.

Mr Lao said that construction of the new passageway would include enhancement of Canal dos Patos (Duck River) to improve water quality and attract more tourists.