SMEs appeal to CE over manpower gap

2013-11-19

From：Macau Daily Times

Chief Executive Chui Sai On exchanged views with a delegation from the Federal General Commercial Association of Macau Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) yesterday at the government headquarters. Their discussion centered around the development of Macau’s SME enterprises, especially their demands on human resources.
“Local SMEs’ sustainable operation affects the overall development and stability of Macau. Therefore the government will continuously remain concerned and support a business environment that assists SMEs,” stated the CE, according to a press release issued by the CE Office.
The delegation was led by the president of the federation, David Chow, and accompanied by lawmaker Melinda Chan. Earlier this month, Melinda Chan submitted a letter to the CE on behalf of the federation, expressing SMEs’ concern over the shortfall of human resources in various industries. Chui replied yesterday that the government would conduct surveys and analysis so as to anticipate discussion in the society.
“I agree we must ensure the employment of Macau people, but it’s truly difficult for some sectors to hire local residents for positions such as professional driver,” said Melinda Chan. In regards to this statement, Chui reiterated the government’s current stance on disagreeing with proposals for legislation that would ban foreigners from taking on certain positions. “The Secretary for Economy and France, Francis Tam, will continue to effectively exercise his authority – regulating the importation of foreign labor through the administrative mechanism. The government will also keep reviewing the mechanism and give priority to safeguarding local workers’ employment as a principle,” the CE stated. “As for the supply and demand for professional drivers, market analysis and forecast will be carried out by academic or research institutions, so that the public can jointly discuss the situation reflected in the statistics.”

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