Chief executive of Macao SAR meets with UM honorary doctor Cai Fang

Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of the Macao SAR, today (4 December) met with Cai Fang, member of the Academic Committee of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), chief expert of the CASS China Top Think Tank, and honorary doctor of the University of Macau (UM). The two parties exchanged views on the economic development of mainland China and Macao, as well as the development of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. Subsequently, Cai gave a Doctor honoris causa Lecture titled ‘Population Factors in China’s Economic Growth’ at UM.

Also present at the meeting were Ao Ieong U, secretary for social affairs and culture; Yonghua Song, rector of UM; and Hu Weixing, dean of UM’s Faculty of Social Sciences.

During the meeting, Ho welcomed Cai and expressed appreciation for the longstanding positive relationship between CASS and various higher education institutions in the Macao SAR. He acknowledged the valuable advice provided by CASS, which has contributed to the continuous improvement of higher education in Macao. He added the Macao SAR Government is promoting the ‘1+4’ strategy for economic diversification and the development of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. He also looks forward to strengthening exchanges and cooperation between Macao and CASS in the future. Cai expressed gratitude to UM, whose chancellor is the chief executive, for conferring on him the title of Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa. He provided an overview of mainland China’s economic development, as well as its strategies to promote high-quality economic growth and support Chinese-style modernisation through high-quality demographic development. He also discussed the major measures implemented to restore and increase consumer spending. Moreover, Cai extended his best wishes for the Macao SAR’s greater success in economic and social development.

Speaking at the Doctor honoris causa Lecture, UM Vice Rector Ge Wei said that every year, the university confers honorary doctorates to honour distinguished individuals in recognition of their significant contributions to the country, society, and the world, and Cai is one of the five recipients this year. He added that as an economist, Cai’s research has made major contributions to China’s labour economy, agricultural economy, and the understanding of the impact of population on economic development.

Cai began the talk by introducing Malthusianism and the concept of demographic dividend. He then delved into the factors that contributed to China’s economic growth during the period spanning from the country’s economic reform and opening-up until 2010. He also examined the challenges and opportunities arising from negative demographic growth and moderate ageing in mainland China from the perspectives of the supply and demand sides. In addition, Cai analysed the problems facing China’s current stage of economic development and proposed policy suggestions at both macro and micro levels.