The Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Ao Man Long, said today (5 July) that professional organizations from the United States would be invited to assess construction projects presented by gaming concessionaires.

Mr. Ao said that assessment reports submitted by the professional organizations would be used as reference for the approval of those projects.

He explained that the measure was taken in order to shorten the time needed for approving these projects so as to facilitate the liberalization of the gaming industry.

The SAR Government signed concession contracts with Wynn Resort Ltd. and Galaxy Casino S.A. in June. Wynn Resort has announced their plan to build on the reclaimed land in the Outer Harbor.

Mr. Ao revealed that the government has not yet received any concrete plans from Galaxy Casino Ltd.

Concerning land concessions, Mr. Ao confirmed that the SAR Government would cede land located beside Nam Van Lake to develop a casino complex. He added that the concession would be done in accordance with the Land Law, and would take into consideration the positive effect of the projects to the gaming sector and the general economy of Macao.

According to the Land Law, a concession granted for 25 years is subject to extension when the first concession ends.