Macao under the COVID-19 epidemic
Prof. Angus Chu
With the current outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic in Macao, the local economy is suffering in a difficult situation. A few days ago, Prof. Angus Chu, the head of the Department of Economics of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Macau, was interviewed by the media “Macao News” and put forward some professional opinions on the response and revitalization of Macau in the epidemic environment.
In 2019, tourists from mainland China accounted for 70% of the city’s total arrivals. By the end of 2021, they will make up 94% of arrivals. Under the uncertain conditions of the current epidemic, Prof. Chu said that customs clearance is the key to ensuring the tourist flow. To this end, Macau must be in step with the zero-clearing policy of the mainland. Otherwise, the absence of mainland tourists will seriously damage the local economy.
At the same time, Prof. Chu believes that local companies need greater financial support, and the government should provide a more effective rejuvenating plan to society with a more open attitude if the epidemic cannot be controlled temporarily.
Source: Macao News https://macaonews.org/deepdives/how-macao-is-tackling-its-first-widespread-covid-19-outbreak/