AGP Executive Report

Hengqin Air Cargo Push: Macao International Airport launched pilot cargo palletization on Hengqin, extending security screening and palletizing from MIA to the Hengqin Upstream Cargo Terminal area; the Hengqin cargo terminal (about 13 km away) is set for completion by end-2026 and operation in H1 2027, with the first pilot shipment of e-commerce and daily goods (to Malaysia and the Philippines) moving via Hengqin Port. Tourism-Tech Leap: Hengqin Chimelong Ocean Resort will host the world’s first immersive “embodied AI” theme park, built by Chimelong and Agibot, aiming for a full-chain embodied AI culture-and-tourism ecosystem with smart hotels, performances, and an AI lab for real-world robot deployment. Public Sector Reshuffle: The government announced mergers and restructuring effective next week, including combining the Consumer Council and FDCT into the Economic and Technological Development Bureau, and consolidating several chief-executive bureaus under a single headquarters affairs unit. Macau-Hengqin Talent & Education: CE Sam Hou Fai met UM’s new University Council leadership, urging the university to align with national development, strengthen innovation, and leverage the Macao-Hengqin International Education Town. Food Delivery Tensions: Macau’s food delivery platforms face rider protests over pay cuts and fee pressure, with industry calls for stronger regulation and legal updates. Industry Finance Watch: FWD Group reported higher H1 2026 profit, with Hong Kong and Macau among contributing segments.

Macao-Hengqin air cargo push: The Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin rolled out incentives to strengthen Macau’s role as an international air cargo hub, including subsidies for freight forwarders using the Macau International Airport Hengqin upstream cargo terminal and support for warehouses and handling fees, running through Dec. 31, 2028. Airport logistics upgrade: Macao International Airport also launched a pilot cargo palletization operation on Hengqin, with the Hengqin cargo terminal due for completion by end-2026 and planned to start operations in the first half of 2027. Cross-border transport planning: Macao’s Third Five-Year Plan continues to frame Hengqin integration as a key diversification and connectivity lever, with officials stressing deeper cross-border transport networks and tourism/culture positioning. Robotics and deep-tech momentum: Mint announced a contract to co-develop a next-generation commercial service robot with Yunji Technology, while GBA innovation hubs like Dongguan’s robotics base and the CSNS Phase II light source project (completion targeted for 2029) underline the region’s push from research to production. Food delivery labour pressure: Macau’s food delivery platforms faced rider protests over pay cuts and fees, with industry calling for stronger regulation and updated rules to protect both riders and small restaurants. Industry services expansion: FORTÉ acquired Vega Global, expanding workplace tech and audiovisual systems integration with a presence that includes Macau.

Macao’s 3rd Five-Year Plan: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai laid out the 2026–2030 roadmap, stressing “moving ahead” both vertically with national priorities and horizontally through Hengqin integration, as the government prepares the 2027 Policy Address to match plan targets. Urban renewal & property hurdles: Local business groups urged stronger incentives to speed redevelopment in older districts, saying property ownership consolidation and building vacancy issues are slowing revitalisation. Hengqin-Macao business push: IPIM ran promotion seminars in Shenzhen and Guangzhou for Macao’s China-Portuguese/Spanish platform, drawing nearly 300 enterprise reps and 150+ business talks, with interest in setting up cross-border settlement operations in Macao. Postal services coordination: The 7th high-level postal meeting in Kunming focused on integrating Greater Bay Area logistics, with CTT Macao pledging better cross-border routes and mail-handling optimisation. Food industry upgrade: UM’s CPTTM hosted a food innovation seminar to help chefs and industry turn new culinary ideas into standardised, market-ready products. Gaming market tuning: Citi reported Macau casinos are widening mass-market appeal by lowering minimum bets while premium play rebounds. Workforce hiring: DSAL and FAOM will hold five job-matching sessions in early September, offering nearly 400 roles across security, tourism, transport, cleaning, hotels and retail pharma.

Macao’s Third Five-Year Plan Push: IPIM ran two “Macao Platform Advantages” promotion seminars in Shenzhen and Guangzhou (Aug 19–21), drawing nearly 300 enterprise reps and 150+ business talks, as the SAR positions itself as a cooperation platform for Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets and Southeast Asia. Postal & Logistics Integration: The 7th high-level postal services joint meeting (Mainland–HK–Macao) opened in Kunming, with CTT Macao pledging to optimize mail handling and expand cross-border routes as Hengqin integration deepens. Food Industry Commercialisation: UM’s CPTTM hosted a Food Innovation Series seminar with 60+ industry players, focusing on turning culinary ideas into scalable, market-ready products—standardisation and industrial production are the key themes. Urban Renewal & Property Bottlenecks: Local business groups urged stronger incentives to speed redevelopment in older districts, citing property ownership consolidation and rising vacancies as major blockers ahead of the 2027 Policy Address. Workforce Hiring: DSAL and FAOM will hold five job-matching sessions in early September with nearly 400 openings across security, cleaning, tourism, transport, hotel and pharma retail. Gaming Market Tuning: Citi says Macau casinos are widening mass-market appeal by lowering minimum bets while premium wagering rebounds, suggesting a broader playbook for demand recovery. Cross-border Transport Blueprint: Macau’s plan highlights rail-first integration, including LRT links to the Hengqin checkpoint and coordination with high-speed rail, plus upgrades to road capacity and new passage studies.

Urban Renewal Push: Macau’s business community is urging stronger incentives to speed up redevelopment in older districts, saying property ownership bottlenecks and weak current measures are slowing revitalisation, with calls to tackle commercial vacancies and reactivate industrial buildings. Policy Alignment: The government is preparing the 2027 Policy Address to match the 3rd Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), with consultation sessions covering infrastructure, Macau–Hengqin integration, SME support, talent recruitment and MICE. Jobs & Skills: DSAL and FAOM will run five job-matching sessions in early September, offering nearly 400 openings across security, cleaning, tourism, public transport, lottery, hotel and pharmaceutical retail. Food Industry Growth: The Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre held a Food Innovation Series seminar focused on turning culinary ideas into standardised, market-ready products for industrial-scale production. Gaming Market Signals: Citi says Macau casinos are widening mass-market reach by lowering minimum bets while premium wagering rebounds, pointing to a broader offering mix as recovery continues. Smart City Research: UM’s State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City held its academic committee meeting, reviewing work progress and setting directions for talent, research and technology transfer. Transport Blueprint: Macau’s 3rd Five-Year Plan highlights rail-first cross-border connectivity, including LRT links to Hengqin Port and high-speed rail coordination, plus upgrades to key road links. Hengqin Land Access: Macau residents can start renting farmland in Hengqin from today, with a “Peach Blossom Spring Farm” planned to combine cultivation, picking, education and family facilities.

Macao–Hengqin Integration: Macau’s Third Five-Year Plan puts rail first and builds a multi-layer cross-border network, with plans to link the LRT to the Hengqin checkpoint and coordinate with the Guangzhou–Zhuhai (Macao) high-speed rail, while also upgrading the Lotus Bridge and the UM undersea tunnel. Economic Diversification: The plan targets lifting non-gaming added value to about 60% of GDP by 2030, backed by an “1+4” industrial framework and a government guidance fund to pull in external investment. Tourism & Culture Infrastructure: The Macao Int’l Integrated Tourism & Culture Zone is set to become a “cultural name card,” combining major museum and performing arts facilities into a single cultural cluster. Local Growth Signals: Macau economy grew 3.7% in real terms in 1H 2026, led by tourism and gaming services exports as visitor arrivals rose. Cross-border Living & Leisure: Macau residents can start renting farmland in Hengqin from today, with the “Peach Blossom Spring Farm” opening later this year for cultivation, picking, education and family activities. Construction Safety: Construction Safety Week 2026 kicks off with a push for smarter site safety, including expanding Smart Site Safety System (4S) devices. Robotics & Engineering Services: SU Group’s Shine Union (Macao) secures exclusive Macao rights to distribute the Inspec Spider high-mast inspection robot, aiming to expand its differentiated infrastructure inspection portfolio. Workforce Enforcement: PSP detained 86 suspected illegal workers in July across 249 inspection sites. Food & Hospitality Tie-in: A “Lotus Banquet” collaboration brings Macau’s signature summer Cantonese flavors to Guangzhou’s White Swan Hotel. Entertainment: Dino of Seventeen will hold his first overseas solo concert in Macau on Oct. 10 at Studio City.

Macao’s 3rd Five-Year Plan: The MSAR released its 2026–2030 blueprint, with officials spelling out how “Macao + Hengqin” will drive diversification—Transport & Infrastructure: Raymond Tam says rail will be the backbone, with LRT links to Hengqin Port and upgrades to land passages like Lotus Bridge and the University of Macau Undersea Tunnel; Tourism & Culture: Wallis O Lam pushes the Macao Int’l Integrated Tourism & Culture Zone as a “cultural name card,” built around major museum and performing-arts facilities; Security & Governance: Chan Tsz King frames national security as a top, cross-sector priority; Economic Diversification: Dora Ng targets non-gaming value to reach about 60% of GDP by 2030, backed by an “1+4” industrial framework and a government guidance fund. Hengqin Integration for Residents: Hengqin’s cooperation zone lets Macao residents rent farmland starting today, with the “Peach Blossom Spring Farm” opening end-September for cultivation, picking, education and family leisure. Local Business & Consumer Signals: DSEC reports Macao’s composite CPI rose 1.12% year-on-year in July, with food and transport among the main drivers. MICE Industry Push: Hengqin’s Industrial Development Bureau joins ICCA to expand global channels for Macao-Hengqin MICE cooperation, including new incentives for ICCA-listed events. Regional Tech & Youth: A youth green-energy gathering in Shenzhen highlights Asia-Pacific energy transition ideas, while Hong Kong hosts ABU Robocon 2026 with Macao among participating teams.

Macao Economic Diversification: Macao released its Third Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), pushing appropriate economic diversification to tackle long reliance on gaming, with support for emerging industries and deeper Guangdong-Macao cooperation in Hengqin. Macao Cost of Living: DSEC reported Macao’s composite CPI rose 1.12% year-on-year in July, with food and transport among the main drivers. Macao Property Market: Stamp duty data showed 4,206 residential and parking units traded in 1H2026, up in volume and value year-on-year, while Q2 saw a quarter-on-quarter dip tied to prior-quarter new launches. Hengqin MICE Push: Hengqin’s MICE cooperation got a boost via ICCA-linked support measures, including per-participant and first-time accreditation incentives aimed at attracting more international conferences. Cross-border Mobility Prep: Hong Kong ran a major Huanggang Port stress test with 10,000+ staff, including trials of “collaborative inspection” automated channels—relevant for regional passenger flow planning. AI + Cybersecurity: Hong Kong’s “AI x Cybersecurity Challenge” wrapped up, highlighting government-backed “AI versus AI” defence drills and responsible AI use. Robotics & Skills: ABU Robocon 2026 kicked off in Hong Kong with 16 university teams, including Macao, under a “Kung Fu Quest” theme blending robotics and automation.

Macao Economic Blueprint: Macao released its 2026-2030 Third Five-Year Plan, putting “appropriate economic diversification” at the center to cut long-term reliance on gaming, with support via major projects, a government guidance fund, and Hengqin’s Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone. Macao Inflation Watch: The city’s composite CPI rose 1.12% year-on-year in July, with food and transport among the main drivers. Hengqin MICE Push: The Macao-Hengqin MICE cooperation framework got a boost, including revised Hengqin support measures (RMB 800 per participant for ICCA-included international conferences, up to RMB 1 million per event) and plans to bid for more ICCA-eligible conferences in AI and materials science. Cross-border Mobility Testing: Hong Kong ran a first stress test at Huanggang Port for passenger and vehicle flows, including trials of “collaborative inspection” automated channels. Customs Crackdown: Macao Customs seized 100 smuggled prescription pills containing Zopiclone from a Hong Kong man at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge checkpoint. Local Property Market: Stamp-duty records showed 4,206 residential and parking units traded in 1H2026, with transaction value up 46.7% to MOP14.94 billion. Industry Talent & Skills: Macao’s student fashion creativity competitions drew 54 students from 22 schools, with a “Green City” theme encouraging recycled materials and low-carbon production.

Macao Economic Blueprint: Macao released its 2026-2030 Third Five-Year Plan, putting economic diversification and Hengqin integration at the center, with a push to lift non-gaming GDP toward 60% and use major projects plus a government guidance fund to back emerging industries. Cost of Living Watch: Inflation in Macao stayed mild: the composite CPI rose 1.12% year-on-year in July, with food and transport leading gains. Property Market Pulse: Real estate activity picked up in H1 2026, with 4,206 units and parking spaces changing hands worth MOP14.94 billion, while Q2 saw a quarter-on-quarter dip tied to earlier new-property launches. Workforce Enforcement: Labour compliance tightened in July as authorities inspected 249 locations and detected 86 suspected illegal workers. Legal Services Update: China moved to review draft changes to the lawyers law to strengthen foreign-related legal services, including support for Hong Kong and Macao legal professionals. Cross-border Trade Risk: Sanctions compliance concerns rose after MOFCOM listed the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) on China’s countermeasure list, potentially disrupting supplier diligence used by many multinationals operating in China.

Macao Economic Diversification Blueprint: Macao’s Third Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) was officially published, aligning with China’s 15th plan and pushing “appropriate economic diversification” to lift non-gaming growth, with added focus on education, jobs, housing, elderly care and urban renewal. Hengqin MICE Push: The Macao-Hengqin MICE cooperation drive got a boost as the Hengqin ICCA-linked seminar highlighted subsidies for international conferences and new incentives for first-time ICCA accreditation. SME Credit Watch: The Monetary Authority of Macao reported SME credit approvals fell 8.6% to MOP4.5bn in 1H, while the delinquency ratio rose to 8.5% amid a smaller delinquent balance. Inflation Snapshot: Macao’s composite CPI rose 1.12% year-on-year in July, with food and transport among the main movers. Customs Enforcement: Macau Customs seized 100 smuggled prescription pills containing Zopiclone from a Hong Kong man at the HZMB checkpoint, with the case now with the Judiciary Police. Industry & Trade Context: A MOFCOM order took effect placing the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) on China’s countermeasure list, raising compliance and supplier-diligence questions for firms using RBA audits in China.

Macao-Hengqin MICE Push: The Macao-Hengqin MICE Enterprises & ICCA Bay Area Members Seminar in Hengqin highlighted deeper, more “regularized” cooperation, with updated Hengqin support measures offering RMB 800 per participant for ICCA-listed international conferences (up to RMB 1 million per event) plus extra incentives for first-time ICCA accreditation. Policy & Diversification: Macau’s Third Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) was reaffirmed as aligned with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, with a clear focus on appropriate economic diversification, people-centered priorities, and stronger integration into national development. Cross-border Infrastructure: PSP said Hengqin Port upgrades are coming to speed up Macau-Hengqin clearance, including a “joint one-stop” lane using facial and iris recognition and an intelligent vehicle inspection system. Education & Talent: The Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town moved into full operation, with a “three universities, one campus” model (UM, MPU, UTM) and cross-institution course sharing planned for the new academic year. Local Business Signals: DSEC reported July CPI up 1.12% year-on-year, while 1H 2026 property transactions rose in value to MOP14.94 billion; AMCM also noted SME credit approvals fell 8.6% in 1H. Enforcement: Macau Customs seized 100 smuggled prescription pills containing Zopiclone from a Hong Kong man at the HZMB checkpoint. Culture & Industry Exchange: IC backed regional touring opportunities via the children’s performing arts festival, including “Sounds of WOODerland,” to build networks beyond Macau.

Customs & Trade Security: Macau Customs and the Judiciary Police seized 100 prescription Zopiclone pills from a 51-year-old man entering via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, with the case now with PJ for follow-up. Policy & Diversification: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said Macau’s Third Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) aligns with China’s 15th plan, pushing appropriate economic diversification, Hengqin integration, urban renewal, and stronger connectivity—while also prioritising education, jobs, housing, elderly care and social welfare. Finance & SMEs: AMCM data shows newly approved SME credit fell 8.6% to MOP4.5bn in 1H, while the delinquency ratio rose to 8.5% (with a lower delinquent balance), prompting calls for more flexible repayment plans. Tourism & Entertainment: Galaxy reported a 40% foot-traffic jump tied to its “Tourism + Performing Arts” strategy, citing weekend events and spillover to dining and retail. Cross-border Infrastructure: PSP outlined Hengqin Port upgrades to speed clearance and improve convenience, including contactless driver processing and smarter inspection systems. Education & Hengqin Integration: UM’s Dezhi Plaza teaching site in Hengqin began classes, supporting cross-campus postgraduate programmes under the “one university, two campuses” model. Aviation & MRO: Topcast was named exclusive distributor for AmSafe aircraft products across mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, with local support and MRO links. Tourism Awards: MGTO secured seven PATA Gold Awards at PTM 2026, reinforcing Macau’s marketing and sustainability push. People & Skills: 54 students from 22 schools won the 2026 Macao Student Fashion Creativity Competitions, with a “Green City” theme using recycled materials and low-carbon methods. Regional Business Links: AIG appointed Lisa Sun to lead mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau (subject to approval), expanding its regional footprint.

Macao Economic Blueprint: Macao released its Third Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), aiming to lift non-gaming sectors to about 60% of GDP by 2030, deepen Hengqin integration, push urban renewal, and strengthen connectivity—while also putting education, jobs, housing, elderly care and social welfare front and center. Hengqin Integration & Education: The Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town is now operating, with UM’s Dezhi Plaza teaching site running cross-institution course sharing for postgraduate students from UM, MPU and UTM. Cross-Border Mobility: Hengqin Port is set for upgrades to speed Macau-Hengqin clearance, including a “joint one-stop” lane using facial and iris recognition and smarter vehicle inspection to reduce stops. SME Credit Watch: AMCM data shows newly approved SME credit fell 8.6% to MOP4.5 billion in 1H, while the delinquency ratio rose to 8.5%, prompting calls for more flexible repayment plans. Tourism & Entertainment Demand: Galaxy Entertainment reported a 40% foot-traffic jump tied to its “Tourism + Performing Arts” strategy, with weekend events driving higher dining and retail spillover. AI & Innovation Links: IEEE’s Greater Bay Area AI Startup Roadshow wrapped in Shenzhen, and Tencent Cloud’s “AI CAN DO IT” Hong Kong and Macau demo day showcased AI projects focused on social good and cultural expression. Global Business Appointments: AIG named Lisa Sun to lead mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, subject to approval, as regional firms position for the new development cycle.

Macao Economic Pivot: Macao’s Third Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) is out, with a clear push to lift non-gaming sectors to about 60% of GDP by 2030, backed by a government guidance fund and major projects in areas like modern finance, healthcare, advanced tech and conventions. Hengqin Integration: The plan doubles down on Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone work, including institutional rule alignment and stronger connectivity with Hengqin. Urban Renewal & Livability: It also targets urban renewal and a “smart” city approach, alongside people-first policies covering education, jobs, housing and elderly care. Tourism Recognition: Macao’s tourism push scored big at the PATA Gold Awards in Kuching, winning a record seven awards, including MGTO wins and recognition for integrated resort initiatives. SME Export Push: IPIM and the Industrial Association of Macau helped 12 local firms debut at Hong Kong’s HKTDC Food Expo, driving 180+ business matching sessions and sales. Cross-border Education: UM started classes at its Dezhi Plaza teaching site in the Macao-Hengqin International Education Town, enrolling nearly 1,000 postgraduate students. Work Safety in Heat: A lawmaker urged clearer rules for outdoor work during extreme heat, calling for limits and structured rest periods.

Education & Hengqin Expansion: UM has started the 2026/27 academic year at its Dezhi Plaza teaching site in Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, admitting nearly 1,000 postgraduate students and rolling out 23 postgraduate programmes across 16 disciplines, delivered by new faculties including Engineering and Information Science & Computing. Economic Diversification Push: Macao unveiled its Third Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), aiming to lift non-gaming sectors to about 60% of GDP by 2030, deepen Macao-Hengqin integration, accelerate urban renewal with building “health checks,” and expand global connectivity. Tourism & Trade Promotion: MGTO and local travel partners promoted Macao at PATA Travel Mart 2026 in Malaysia, winning seven PATA Gold Awards across marketing, sustainability and social responsibility, while IPIM and the Industrial Association of Macau sent 12 firms to Hong Kong’s HKTDC Food Expo for 180+ business matching sessions. Payments & Fintech Skills: DBS Hong Kong partnered with Preface and Visa to boost “AI readiness” for customers as AI-powered commerce moves toward more proactive, agent-led transactions. Industry Signals: Paradise Entertainment warned of an HK$82.6m 1H26 loss tied to weaker Macau electronic gaming equipment sales and a shift toward its next-gen Black Coral platform. Labour Safety: Lawmaker Leong Pou U urged clearer rules for outdoor work during extreme heat, including limits on working hours and rest periods.