Consul general Stephen Young talked to reporters in Hong Kong

US consul stresses importance of Macau

2010-09-23
Reading time 59 seg

“For an American representative here, the fact that we have us$ 6 to us$ 8 billion of direct investment in the Macau gaming industry alone warrants my attention,” consul general Stephen Young was quoted as saying to reporters in Hong Kong. “But I think there are a lot of other issues involved in that including some transnational law-enforcement issues...that make Macau actually a pretty important part of our portfolio,” he said.

He cited the prevention of money laundering, drug smuggling and human trafficking as “important values” for the US.Young, who assumed his post in March, said he has already met the MSAR’s Chief Executive, Fernando Chui Sai On, three times and he also had meetings with management at Macau’s three US-based casino operators, Sands China, Wynn Macau and MGM Grand Macau.

Young said he would meet Sands China’s new management team. Ed Tracy, who was recently appointed Sands China’s chief operating officer, didn’t provide details on the likely topics of discussion at the meeting when reached for comment, according to Dow Jones Newswires.

US consul general said he expects the issue of Macau’s labour policy to come up but that his talks with the Macau government have left him optimistic about a resolution. “I’ve been assured by the chief executive and others that the necessary workers that these guys need to do their jobs to both build and run casinos will be available and it’s an ongoing dialogue that they and I and the government of Macau continue to pursue,” he said.

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