Macau Trade & Payments Pulse: DSEC data shows Macau’s external merchandise trade hit MOP82.55 billion in 1H2026, with exports up 24.0% YoY to MOP8.22 billion and imports up 24.6% to MOP74.33 billion, while the trade deficit widened to MOP66.12 billion; on the consumer side, June electronic payments for restaurants & similar establishments slipped 0.2% YoY to MOP1.06 billion, but retail trade rose 7.3% YoY to MOP4.08 billion, with watches/jewellery and cosmetics leading growth. Macao Industry Integration: The CE met MIIT Vice Minister Xiong Jijun as the MSAR and MIIT signed a cooperation agreement to support Macau’s “new quality productive forces” and industrialisation, tied to the Macao Science and Technology Research Industrial Park. Hengqin Finance Link: AMCM said Guangdong will issue offshore provincial bonds in Macau next month for the 6th straight year (RMB 2.5 billion), including green/blue and specialised bonds supporting the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. Food Safety Watch: Macau authorities ordered removal and recall of Frisolac Prestige Stage 1 after lead exceeded the legal limit, and expanded sampling to rule out wider contamination. Construction Safety Update: The Labour Department gazetted addenda to bamboo and metal scaffolding safety codes, tightening requirements on toe-boards, fire-retardant protective screens, and catch-fans. Gaming & Hospitality Business: Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace hosted Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 for a second year, reinforcing Macao’s gastronomy brand; meanwhile, MGM reported strong Q2 results as it weighs a potential Barry Diller takeover. Regional Youth & Sports Exchange: A GBA youth Olympic spirit camp in Nansha brought 150 students and young athletes from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao together for a three-day sports and culture programme.