Macao to fast-track four major infrastructure projects, transport chief says

Macao is looking to accelerate its development of four marquee infrastructure projects in the SAR and Hengqin, an island district of Zhuhai, with which it is seeking integration as part of an effort to diversify economically. That’s according to the Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raymond Tam, who spoke during the opening of the 17th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum & Exhibition (IIICF) at The Venetian Macao on Thursday. 

The four projects are the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, the Macao International Integrated Tourism and Cultural Zone, the Macao International Air Transport Hub on the west bank of the Pearl River, and the Macao Sci-Tech Park.

Tam said the projects support Macao’s “1+4” diversification strategy, which builds integrated tourism and leisure around four emerging industries: big health, modern finance, high and new technology, and a combined sector spanning conventions and exhibitions, sport, and commerce and trade. He also stressed deeper connectivity with Hengqin and the wider Greater Bay Area (GBA), local media reported.

[See more: Macao’s transport secretary shares plans to link LRT with Hengqin]

At a signing ceremony on Thursday, 21 cooperation agreements worth a combined US$9.9 billion were formalised, according to local media. The deals spanned 15 countries and regions across Asia, Africa and Latin America, and sectors including electricity, transport, construction, energy, mining and non-ferrous metals.

Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai attended, meeting nearly 50 high-profile guests and country representatives. He said Macao would continue to leverage its role as a “precise connector” between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, serving as an efficient platform for trade and infrastructure investment.

Sam added that the IIICF had grown significantly in the past 15 years, logging approximately 30,000 participants, including 700 ministerial-level officials, and facilitating 250 infrastructure projects with a value of US$120 billion. 

Organised by the China International Contractors Association and Macao’s Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute, the IIICF is scheduled to conclude today (12 June). This year’s forum featured participation from more than 80 exhibitors, a fifth of whom were joining for the first time. 

Several reports were published during the event, including the Belt and Road Infrastructure Development Index Report 2026 and the Report on Portuguese-speaking Countries’ Infrastructure Development Index and Macao’s Achievements in Belt and Road Initiative 2026.