China’s Xi swears in new leader of casino hub Macao, telling the city to diversify economy

Associated Press

MACAO (AP) — Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged the casino hub of Macao to diversify its economy as he swore in the former Portuguese colony’s new government at an event marking the 25th anniversary of its handover to China. Since its 1999 handover, the city of 687,000 has evolved from a monopoly-driven gambling enclave into the world’s largest gaming hub, drawing hordes of tourists from mainland China. New Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai — Macao’s first leader born in mainland China — has promised to accelerate plans to boost tourism and other sectors such as Chinese medicine, finance, tech, exhibitions and commerce.