Although I’m still settling into my job and new life in Hong Kong, I have been using the Christmas/New Year quiet time like many of you, to mentally re-set, and consider new, more positive horizons for the year ahead. I am sure I’m not alone in feeling drained by the unexpected turns of 2020 – and looking forward to the marvels of medical technology steering us back to a life on a more familiar track.
My first visit to Macau isn’t quite yet inked into the diary, but will be most welcome when it happens.
I am aware that 2020 has not been kind to an economy like Macau’s, which is so reliant on people movement to sustain its gaming and tourism sector. And geo-political tensions have added further complexity for the international business community in an already too-challenging environment. However, we watch with interest how Macau chooses to play its part of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) integration initiative, and the opportunities that might flow from this for the Australian business community.
I look forward to engaging with you on these agendas, and in the meantime, I am grateful to AustCham Macau in helping to connect me and my team with the Australian community, and in keeping us in the loop on developments and Australian interests.
In terms of services provided by the Consulate-General, although the consular team has not been able to visit Macau for a number of months, we continue to provide passport renewal and some limited notarial services by mail. The Consulate-General website https://hongkong.consulate.gov.au/ and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AustraliaInHKMacau/ will keep you updated on information about the services we can provide, and on travel to Australia – the travel cap and quarantine arrangements. If you intend to travel, do take a minute to familiarise yourself with what, at times, can be a regularly changing situation.
My very best wishes to you for a happy and healthier 2021.