At a seminar in Macau last Friday the Secretary of State for the Economy of Cape Verde, Humberto Brito, said the country expects to have a legal framework for casino licensing ready by the end of the year. The seminar was on the role of Macau as a link between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Brito commented that there was obvious interest from China in investment in Cape Verde and that economic cooperation already existed between them.

Cape Verde, which gained independence from Portugal in 1975, has special partnership status with the EU and is considering applying for membership. Most of the nation’s GDP comes from the service industry as lack of rain makes agriculture difficult and the 10 main islands and about 8 islets have few natural resources. In 1999 the Cape Verde currency was linked to the Euro and this year the country joined the World Trade Organisation. The population is a mix of peoples who originally came from many countries in Africa and Europe, as well as Chinese mostly from Macau.

Recently the Cape Verde islands are opening to tourists. Santo Antao has the most spectacular scenery with a central mountain range and tropical vegetation in the valleys. The largest island, Santiago, has an international airport and is home to the Cape Verde capital Praia. Tourist development projects are widespread in the islands and the introduction of casino gaming would seem to be a logical step in expanding the tourist industry. With the glittering example of Macau in front of them, it is easy to see why the Cape Verde government is keen to legalise casinos. (E-09.08.08)

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