MACAO: CE chairs first meeting of leading group on urban renewal

MACAU, September 22 - The Chief Executive, Mr Sam Hou Fai, stressed the need to advance social consensus on the topic of urban renewal and strengthen collaborative efforts, while exploring potential opportunities and addressing challenges associated with it.

Mr Sam made the remark as he chaired on

Monday (21 September) the first meeting of the leading group for the promotion of urban renewal, during which he examined the work plans of the body’s two working groups.

The Chief Executive also stressed the need to optimise supporting policies and action plans, in order to accelerate the implementation of urban renewal in all its aspects.

During the meeting, the head of the working group on laws and policies related to urban renewal, Secretary for Administration and Justice, Mr Wong Sio Chak; and the head of the working group on urban renewal techniques and coordination, Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Tam Vai Man, each presented reports on the work plans and progress of their respective working groups.

Mr Sam recalled that the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government had actively undertaken a series of preliminary studies and preparatory work related to urban renewal, including the establishment of a special task force to oversee the revitalisation of the Pátio do Espinho area, and the drawing up a specific work plan.

The two working groups had been performing their respective duties effectively, collaborating closely, and making constructive arrangements for the coordinated advancement of urban renewal efforts.

Mr Sam stated that the Third Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the MSAR (2026–2030) included a dedicated chapter outlining a comprehensive, targeted top-level operational road map for accelerating urban renewal.

It aims to refine the institutional mechanisms for urban renewal, prioritising the protective revitalisation of the Ruins of St Paul’s area, and the holistic renewal of building complexes in older districts – such as the Iao Hon Estate – while fully implementing all planned urban renewal initiatives.

Urban renewal is closely linked to the work of various governmental secretariats and departments, Mr Sam said. It was essential to strengthen effectively interdepartmental communication and collaboration, pool knowledge and effort, and intensify and accelerate the pace of urban renewal in Macao, he added.

Mr Sam pointed out that promoting urban renewal was a systematic undertaking that required setting clear timelines, refining work plans, and ensuring robust supporting measures. In particular, drawing on both national and international experiences, it was essential to explore and perfect a comprehensive urban renewal model specific for Macao, characterised by Government guidance, market-driven operations, area-specific approaches, integrated utilisation, and a combination of reconstruction, revitalisation, and district-level development, he said.

To carry out urban renewal effectively, the work had to be organically integrated with urban safety, improvements to people’s livelihoods, economic development, a people-centric governance system, cultural heritage protection, and evidence-based governance, thereby driving high-quality and substantive development for Macao.

Mr Sam also emphasised that local communities were a vital component of urban renewal and the fundamental building block of any people-centric governance system. To advance urban renewal, it was essential to strengthen communication and coordination with community organisations and residents; manage relationships across all relevant sectors effectively; adopt a “bottom-line” mindset; clearly identify risks, challenges and pressure points; and prepare comprehensive contingency plans to ensure safety and stability.

At the same time, Mr Sam continued, particular emphasis had to be placed on applying scientific methods to urban renewal, and enhancing practical effectiveness. This entailed strategic foresight, meticulous planning, and the accelerated deployment of implementation-ready projects, thereby boosting residents' sense of participation and satisfaction through concrete actions.

Also present at the meeting were: the Secretary for Security, Mr Chan Tsz King; the Chief of Office of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Chan Kak; the Chief of Office of the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Lo Chi Fai; Acting Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Ms Sam I Kai; Acting Director of the Legal Affairs Bureau, Mr Ng Chi Kin; and Acting Director of the Land and Urban Construction Bureau, Mr Mak Tat Io.