Innovative Model Drives Development as the District Development Center Officially Launches
To enhance the overall effectiveness of district development, the SAR Government has introduced a new model featuring “government oversight and coordination, resource investment by integrated resort enterprises, and planning and implementation by civil society” to advance district development. To support this initiative, the District Development Center was officially established and its launch ceremony was held on December 15, marking a new phase in district development. Operated by the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau, the center fully leverages the cohesion and execution capabilities of community organizations, ensuring that district development projects are better aligned with the actual needs of each district.
The launch ceremony was held at the Big Iron Shed in the Barra Dockyard District and was officiated by Huang Huagai, Deputy Secretary-General of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Yao Runhua, Director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Acting Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Yang Quanzhou, Deputy Director of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Vincent U, President of the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute; Ng Siu Lai, President of the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau; and Chan Ka Leong, Chairman of its Board of Directors.
The center builds a collaborative platform to encourage broad participation from all sectors of society.
The District Development Center has established a Steering Committee and an Advisory Panel, which are responsible for review and consultation functions respectively. The Steering Committee consists of 14 representatives from the government, community organizations, and the business sector, and is responsible for reviewing and guiding district development projects. The Advisory Panel comprises 18 representatives from integrated resort enterprises, the business sector, the tourism industry, the cultural and media sectors, urban planning, and academia, providing professional advice and technical support for district development. During the launch ceremony, a certificate presentation was held to express appreciation to all representatives.
In his speech, Yao Runhua, director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau, said that the establishment of the District Development Center is an important government initiative to promote the community economy. By integrating the efforts of the government, integrated resort enterprises, and civil society, it will inject new momentum into district development. Under this new model of multi-party collaboration, the government is responsible for approving plans, coordinating resources, and monitoring results; integrated resort enterprises will invest resources as committed and implement certain revitalization projects as needed; and civil society, through the District Development Center, will bring together forces from different sectors, plan and organize various activities, and jointly promote district development. Chan Ka Leong, chairman of the board of directors of the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau, said that the District Development Center will fully leverage its role as a platform to promote close cooperation among civil society groups, coordinate participation from all parties, and pool collective wisdom to build district commercial areas with stronger distinctive character and achieve sustainable district development.
Advancing in phases to build distinctive commercial districts
The main functions of the District Development Center include community research, project planning and implementation, fostering multi-party cooperation, encouraging civil participation, and establishing a feedback mechanism. It also combines traditional and digital marketing to enhance the visibility and appeal of the districts, providing comprehensive support for district development needs.
At the ceremony, the District Development Center introduced the development themes for the districts. The six major districts will draw on their historical and cultural heritage to create distinctive commercial areas. At the same time, greater connectivity between the districts will be strengthened to form a pattern of coordinated development. The District Development Center will advance its work in phases. In the first phase, it will carry out district development planning studies, launch cooperation plans, create signature events, and implement publicity strategies to further enhance the image of the districts. In the subsequent phases, it will optimize district facilities, strengthen inter-district connectivity, and build distinctive commercial areas to achieve sustainable development. The establishment of the District Development Center injects new momentum into community economic development. Through close cooperation among the government, integrated resort enterprises, and civil society, it will further enhance the effectiveness and vitality of the districts.
2026/03/27
