Las Vegas Sands announced that it would spend $8 billion on casino, leisure and convention amenities in Macao during the next six years. The company is in talks to develop the Chinese island Heng Qin Island.

“These development opportunities are contingent upon approvals by government at several levels and will occur in phases over time as the markets develop and mature”, Bill Weidner, Las Vegas Sands president and chief operating officer, said.

The company will use its success in Singapore as a model for Macao. The US-based company was granted a license to build and operate the Marina Bay casino complex in Singapore. The complex is due to open in 2009.

“The company’s total investments and turnover will triple as a result of its initiatives in Asia”, Mr. Weidner added. Las Vegas Sands plans to invest $3 billion in the Cotai Strip.