China's State Council has appointed Ng Wai Han as secretary for economy and finance of the Macao Special Administrative Region government, the cabinet announced Monday.
The portfolio is one of five secretariats within Macao's administrative structure, overseeing the territory's fiscal management, gaming industry regulation, trade and commerce, labour affairs, and economic diversification strategy.
The decision was made under the provisions of the Macao SAR Basic Law and followed a nomination by Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, the State Council said in a statement. The appointment process requires the chief executive to nominate candidates for principal officials, which are then formally appointed by the central government in Beijing.
The economy and finance portfolio has grown in importance as Macao pursues structural economic changes. The territory passed revised gaming laws in 2022 and awarded new 10-year casino concessions to six operators, including both established Macao casino operators and international entrants. The reforms introduced stricter oversight of the gaming sector, including requirements for minimum government revenue contributions and enhanced responsible gambling measures.
Macao has also been working to reduce its heavy dependence on casino tourism, which has historically accounted for more than 80 percent of government revenues. The Macao government has identified financial services, exhibitions and conventions, traditional Chinese medicine, technology innovation, and cultural tourism as priority sectors for diversification under its "1+4" economic development strategy.
The territory's gross gaming revenue has shown sustained recovery following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, with visitor numbers rising steadily through 2025 and into 2026. Macao recorded more than 34 million visitor arrivals in 2025, approaching pre-pandemic levels, according to Macao government statistics. The recovery has boosted government revenues but also highlighted the ongoing need for economic diversification.
The appointment also continues a period of administrative transition under Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, who took office in December 2024. Sam, a career judge who served as president of Macao's Court of Final Appeal, was elected with 99 percent of votes in the 2024 chief executive election. His administration has emphasised stability and gradual reform in economic governance.
Macao operates under the "one country, two systems" framework, which grants the territory a distinct legal and economic system while maintaining integration with mainland China. Under this arrangement, the central government retains authority over foreign affairs and defence, while Macao manages its own economic and fiscal policies. The territory is also integrated into China's Greater Bay Area development initiative, which aims to link Hong Kong, Macao and nine mainland cities into an integrated economic and business hub.
The State Council's announcement did not provide further details on Ng Wai Han's professional background or prior roles within the Macao government administration.
Sources: gov.cn/SCIO
