There is a tripod of common sense that is not explicit in the draft Five-Year Plan, but which must guide us all, otherwise we will all fail: convince capital, multiply critical mass, remove barriers in the Greater Bay Area, and fill the gaps that bury opportunity.
That commitment must bring together the Central Government, regional authorities and local interests: from traditional lobbies to gaming operators, as well as capital, universities, communicators and civil society in general. The Government does not do business, nor does it perform miracles; it does not diversify by decree or at the snap of a finger. But it must focus on that consensus; negotiate, persuade political, economic and social actors; in Macau, in the Greater Bay Area and in the Lusophone world. In essence, it must do politics.
The plan is understood, and is finally under public debate; it now deserves attention and reflection. Above all, it calls for a timetable, targets and instruments — commitment. There are no perfect plans, but there is a horizon and a rationale. The mission is to clear a path, tear down legal, cultural and mental obstacles; convince regional, national and foreign partners.
There is another crucial factor: time. Two years into its term, this Government has no time to ask for time; because, if time drags on, it brings depression and disbelief. Until results are shown, expectations must be sold.
The Government must be proactive in negotiations with regional partners and the Central Authorities; it is necessary to accelerate the circulation of goods, products and people in the Greater Bay Area
Let us look at one of three examples: right at the start of his term, Sam Hou Fai announced recreational and cultural facilities on both sides of the river. Perfect; it makes sense and is appealing. To this day, it is still not known when, how, or how much it will cost. Developers, urban planners and architects; the population in general… are left waiting.
How can perception be accelerated? Communication and engagement: idea competitions, debates; fostering interest and credibility. If the Government talks about it, if it shares ways of thinking and doing, it gains belief and alliances.
Second example: the state guidance fund. There are many doubts about its effectiveness; but it can, in fact, be a useful instrument; it has tradition and a proven record on the Mainland. Now it is necessary to accelerate rules, timings and methods. And a roadshow for private capital is needed: local, regional, national and foreign. Without that, there are no projects.
Third example: the Five-Year Plan says it will “continue to promote” talent attraction. Seriously? To continue, today, means to block — that is what has been happening. What is needed is precisely to unblock; naturally, by finding ways to protect local employment. It is not easy; but that is the secret. What is not worth doing is pretending that things are being done differently with the same people and the same mentality.
The Government must be proactive in negotiations with regional partners and the Central Authorities; it is necessary to accelerate the circulation of goods, products and people in the Greater Bay Area.
Foreign capital must understand that investing in Macau, Hong Kong or Guangzhou means gaining access to a market of 80 million people — 15 percent of China’s GDP; it must believe that it can import critical mass, monetise investment and repatriate profits. Can it really? Only when — and if it can — real conditions of predictability and sustainability are in place. This is the time for that commitment.
