Macao's integration with national development to drive economic diversification: SAR official

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) 's integration into overall national development while leveraging its unique advantages serves as a driving force for its economic diversification, said Lei Wai Nong, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. It also marks the start of the implementation of Macao's first development plan for economic diversification, which is set to run until 2028. 

Lei, who will leave his post this month, believes that the plan is a clear roadmap for Macao's industrial development, aiming to break through the limitations of its current single-industry economic structure.

"The 25 years since Macao's return to the motherland have brought tremendous changes to its economic, social, and livelihood development.  However, Macao's industrial development remains a shortcoming. To address this, on November 1 last year, the administration introduced what is considered Macao's first industrial plan since its handover. Now, with a clear direction, enterprises have more specific goals for advancing science and technology. The SAR Government, in collaboration with the community, has developed an industrial plan to drive diversified development from 2024 to 2028," Lei said at a press conference for the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland last month.

The Macao SAR aims to bolster several core industries beyond gaming, including modern finance, health and wellness, culture, and sports.  Lei emphasized the crucial role of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, established in 2021, in supporting this diversification effort.

"With the support of the central government, we are diversifying Macao's economic elements. In terms of momentum, the establishment of the Hengqin Cooperation Zone on September 17, 2021 has been pivotal in supporting the diversification of Macao's economy. We sincerely hope that the risk management measures implemented on March 1 this year will align closely with Macao's high-tech industries, traditional Chinese medicine, Macao-branded industries, finance, and conference and exhibition sectors.The future development of Macao must integrate with Hengqin. This collaboration will serve as a significant driving force in shaping the next chapter of Macao's growth," he said. 

Macao's integration with national development to drive economic diversification: SAR official

China Media Group's (CMG) "China Red" 4K/8K ultra-high-definition broadcast vehicle fleet arrived at the Port of Livorno, Italy on Sunday ahead of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Following the successful fulfillment of the broadcast mission of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the "China Red" fleet has once again set out overseas and will undertake the production of 8K international public signals for the opening and closing ceremonies and multiple events of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games scheduled for February.

The broadcast vehicles were transported aboard the carrier Yuan Hai Kou, which departed from the Taicang Port in east China's Jiangsu Province on December 1, 2025.

The carrier sailed through the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, making a brief stopover at the Port of Piraeus in Greece on December 26 before proceeding to Italy.

Throughout the entire journey, the CMG ultra-high-definition broadcast vehicles were provided with comprehensive security and logistical support.

The "China Red" broadcast fleet consists of two 4K/8K ultra-high-definition broadcast vans and two supporting vehicles.

The 4K/8K broadcast vans are independently designed and integrated by the CMG -- China's flagship broadcaster. Each vehicle is 17 meters long, accommodates up to 34 workstations across five operational areas, and is capable of processing up to 80 channels of 4K signals, representing the cutting edge of international ultra-high-definition live production technology.

After completing customs clearance, the fleet will leave Livorno for Milan and is scheduled to officially move into the San Siro Stadium on January 13, where it will begin preliminary preparations for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic broadcast operations.

The 2026 Winter Games will open on February 6, 2026, at Milan's San Siro Olympic Stadium, with around 2,900 athletes expected to take part. It will be Italy's first Winter Olympics in 20 years since Turin 2006, and 70 years after Cortina d'Ampezzo hosted the 1956 edition.

CMG broadcast vehicles arrive in Italy for 2026 Winter Olympics coverage