Yesterday, the Macau Gazette published the list of the nine members of the Tender Committee:

Secretary for Administration and Justice, Cheong Weng Chon

Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong

Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Ao Ieong U

Secretary General of the Executive Council, Hui Lai Fong

Director of Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT), Tai Kin Ip

Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes

Director of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), Adriano Marques Ho

Director of the Judiciary Police (PJ), Sit Chong Meng

Director of the Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT), Lai Weng Leong

Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes is participating in the Tender Committee for the second time. She was a member of the committee when it was set up by the Government in 2001 for the awarding of concessions 20 years ago. At that time, she participated as Deputy Director of the MGTO.

The approval also stated that the committee will elect its chairman and secretary at its first meeting, and administrative, financial, technical and logistical support necessary for its operation will be provided by the DICJ.

It was also announced in the Gazette that the government will establish a new Gaming Commission, which will be chaired by the Secretary for Economy and Finance. The function of the Gaming Commission is to assist the Chief Executive in formulating policies for the gaming industry in the Macau SAR.

The Gaming Commission will assist in the formulation of the necessary regulatory framework for the gaming industry, make recommendations on measures to regulate the development and operation of the gaming industry, and make recommendations on the issuance of guidelines relating to the gaming industry. The Gaming Commission will hold two meetings per year, divided into ordinary and special meetings.

The Chairman of the Gaming Commission may also invite private companies to attend its meetings, but they will not have any voting rights.

The Macau government announced the legal regime for the casino concession tender process on 5 July. Tenderers will be required to prove to the DICJ that they have MOP$5 billion in capital, paid up in cash.

Now that the members of the Tender Commission have been announced, the Government will next announce the timing of bidding in an RFP process.

By Pierce Chan