AGP Executive Report

Manufacturing: Bee Macau has opened a playing-card factory, bringing “Made in Macau” production closer to gaming operators across the region. The joint venture says automation, AI-assisted quality checks and tracking systems will support secure, sustainable manufacturing. Technology: Macau-based Zenta Group plans to refocus on AI and data solutions following its proposed acquisition of ZentoAI, citing uncertain property-market prospects and rising demand for technology services. Tourism: The Global Tourism Economy Forum runs Oct. 15–17, with industry leaders set to discuss resilience, cultural tourism, AI and sustainable growth. Food and Startups: Macao showcased its gastronomy heritage at the World Food Forum in Rome, while the 929 Challenge drew a record 511 startup registrations, led by applicants in healthcare, fintech, energy and deep tech.

Tourism & Events: The Global Tourism Economy Forum returns October 15–17, bringing industry leaders to Macau to discuss resilient, sustainable tourism and business opportunities. The FIBA 3×3 World Tour follows at the Ruins of St. Paul’s, with 16 teams competing for up to US$185,000; Greater Bay Area finals run next week. Business Diversification: Startup contest 929 Challenge received a record 511 registrations, led by applicants from Brazil. Healthcare, fintech, energy and deep tech were among the leading sectors. MICE & Talent: Macau’s conventions committee reviewed new support schemes and cooperation with Hengqin. Separate talent agreements aim to connect skilled professionals with technology businesses and establish an international talent service centre in Macau. Gaming & Hospitality: The government is holding its 2026 gaming-revenue forecast at MOP236 billion despite four straight monthly year-on-year declines; revenue reached MOP187.1 billion in the first nine months. National Day hotel occupancy averaged 91.3%, up 3.1% year on year.

Regional Connectivity: The rebuilt Huanggang Port has opened with 24-hour clearance and a one-stop immigration system. It logged 5,170 passenger trips in its first two hours, strengthening links across the Greater Bay Area. Retail and Food Services: DFI Retail Group will take full control of the Starbucks-licensed Coffee Concepts business, which operates more than 1,100 outlets across seven markets, including Macao. Gaming Outlook: The government is keeping its 2026 gross gaming revenue forecast at 236 billion patacas despite four straight months of year-on-year declines; nearly 187.1 billion patacas was recorded by September. Tourism: National Day holiday hotel occupancy reached 91.3%, up 3.1% year on year, while average room rates fell 1.7%. Macao also set a visitor-arrivals record, welcoming 1.87 million people over the holiday. Business Promotion: Three exhibitions in Macao will host business-matching sessions connecting companies with Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets and technology partners.

Gaming: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai is keeping Macao’s 2026 casino-revenue target at MOP236 billion despite four straight months of year-on-year declines. Revenue reached MOP187.1 billion in the first nine months, leaving about MOP48.9 billion to meet the forecast. Tourism: The National Day and Mid-Autumn holiday period brought a record 1.87 million visitors from September 25 to October 7. Hotels averaged more than 90% occupancy during Golden Week, as daily arrivals reached a record average of 163,000. Diversification: Macao’s talent committee signed agreements with the Macao International Technology Industry Centre and Zhukuan Group to connect talent with businesses and innovation platforms across Macao, Zhuhai and Hengqin. Business-matching sessions at three exhibitions will also link firms with Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets and technology partners. Events: The NBA China Games at The Venetian Arena paired sports tourism with Sands China community activities, including meal deliveries planned for 1,500 people in need.

Gaming: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai says Macao will not lower its 2026 gross gaming revenue forecast, despite four straight months of year-on-year declines. January–September revenue reached MOP187.1 billion, leaving MOP48.9 billion to meet the annual target; he said October results will be important. Tourism: Macao recorded 1.87 million visitor arrivals from September 25 to October 7. During National Day week, daily arrivals averaged 163,000 and peaked at 210,000, while hotel occupancy topped 90%—a record-setting surge for hotels and tourism businesses. Talent and Technology: The Talent Development Committee signed agreements with the Macao International Technology Industry Centre and Zhukuan Group to link government, innovation platforms and businesses, and strengthen talent attraction for Macao’s priority industries. Business Links: Three concurrent exhibitions will host business-matching sessions connecting companies with Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets and technology partners.

Tourism: Macao recorded its busiest National Day holiday yet, averaging 163,000 arrivals a day and peaking at 210,000; hotel occupancy topped 90%. Across the extended Sept. 25–Oct. 7 holiday, arrivals exceeded 1.87 million. Trade and Investment: Three exhibitions — MIF, PLPEX and the Macao Franchise Expo — will run Oct. 21–24, with 10 business-matching sessions spanning technology, food, e-commerce and markets in Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries. Talent: The Talent Development Committee signed agreements with the Macao International Technology Industry Centre and Zhukuan Group to connect government, innovation platforms and businesses and attract professionals for Macao’s priority industries. Made in Macao: At the Macau Industrial Products Show, Economy and Finance Secretary Dora Ng highlighted plans to help local businesses reach new markets by leveraging Macao-Hengqin ties.

Talent and Innovation: Macao’s Talent Development Committee signed agreements with the Macao International Technology Industry Centre and Zhukuan Group to connect skilled professionals with industry resources and strengthen the city’s talent-attraction efforts. Tourism: National Day brought record arrivals, with 1.143 million visitors from Oct. 1–7 and average hotel occupancy above 91%; arrivals reached 1.87 million over the extended Sept. 25–Oct. 7 holiday. Business Matching: Three trade fairs will run in Macao from Oct. 21–24, featuring 10 sessions to link companies with partners in areas including technology, food, e-commerce and Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets. Made in Macao: The Macau Industrial Products Show is promoting local brands, with Economy and Finance Secretary Dora Ng highlighting stronger Macao-Hengqin cooperation to help businesses expand their markets.

Tourism: Macao welcomed more than 1.87 million visitors from Sept. 25 to Oct. 7, including a record 1.143 million during National Day week. Average hotel occupancy topped 91%, giving the hospitality sector a strong holiday boost. Trade and Investment: Three business fairs set for Oct. 21–24 will host 10 matchmaking sessions spanning technology, food, franchising and cross-border e-commerce, linking Macao businesses with Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets. Made in Macao: The Industrial Products Show is showcasing local brands and traditional and emerging industries, with officials highlighting stronger Macao-Hengqin ties to help firms reach new markets. Tourism Development: Macao and Hainan are exploring multi-stop travel products, while the Global Tourism Economy Forum is set to return, supporting efforts to broaden the city’s tourism offering.

Trade and Investment: Macao will host the MIF, Portuguese-speaking Countries Products and Services Exhibition and Franchise Expo from Oct. 21–24, with 10 business-matching sessions focused on sectors including food, technology and cross-border e-commerce. Tourism: National Day brought 1.143 million visitors from Oct. 1–7, a record average of 163,000 arrivals a day; hotel occupancy topped 91.3%. Local Manufacturing: The Macau Industrial Products Show is showcasing local brands, with Economy and Finance Secretary Dora Ng calling for stronger Macao-Hengqin ties to help “Made in Macao” businesses reach new markets. Hospitality and Events: The hush! Beach Concerts and Urban Sports Wellfest returns to Hac Sa Beach on Nov. 14–15, pairing local performers with sports and community activities.

Local Industry: Macau’s Industrial Products Show is showcasing about 130 companies, as Economy and Finance Secretary Dora Ng called for stronger Macau-Hengqin ties to help “Made in Macao” products reach new markets. Events and Tourism: The November 14–15 hush! Beach Concerts and Urban Sports Wellfest will feature more than 20 local bands, sports activities and workshops, combining culture with visitor attractions. NBA stars also met local youth ahead of the China Games, part of a community programme backed by Sands China. Visitor Economy: Macau recorded 1.143 million arrivals over Golden Week, up 15.5% in average daily visits year on year; hotel occupancy averaged 91.3%. Hospitality: Melco has previewed seven suite types at its new 149-room REM hotel at City of Dreams, ahead of its grand opening. Gaming: September gross gaming revenue slipped 1.2% year on year, though nine-month revenue remained 3.2% above 2025. Logistics: DHL named Julian Neo managing director for Hong Kong and Macau, with a focus on helping SMEs expand internationally.

Energy & Supply: China’s October fuel-export freeze could tighten diesel supplies across Asia, though the reported restrictions allow shipments to Hong Kong and Macao. Hospitality: Melco has previewed REM, a 149-room luxury hotel at City of Dreams, with suites and high-end amenities ahead of its grand opening. Local Manufacturing & Retail: The Macau Industrial Products Show brings about 130 companies and 172 booths to Fisherman’s Wharf, adding a Greater Bay Area burger festival for the first time. Gaming: Macao’s September gross gaming revenue fell 1.2% year on year, while revenue for the first nine months remained 3.2% ahead of 2025. Logistics: DHL Express named Julian Neo managing director for Hong Kong and Macao, with a focus on helping SMEs reach overseas markets. District Commerce: Community councillors urged the government to make some holiday pedestrian zones a regular weekend feature to draw visitors into central-district businesses.

Local Manufacturing: The 12th Macau Industrial Products Show opens Oct. 8 at Fisherman’s Wharf, bringing together about 130 companies across 172 booths and hosting the Greater Bay Area’s Super Hamburger Festival for the first time. Green Finance: Macao’s carbon exchange says it has listed more than 30 projects from Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries, with reported emissions cuts topping 14.1 million tonnes; it has traded 1.17 million carbon credits since launching in 2024. Tourism and Retail: Melco has previewed 149 suite-led rooms at City of Dreams’ new REM hotel ahead of its grand opening. Business and Logistics: DHL veteran Julian Neo took charge of Hong Kong and Macau operations on Oct. 1, with a focus on helping SMEs expand overseas and providing integrated supply-chain services. Economic Policy: Secretary for Economy and Finance Ng Wai Han gathered business-group proposals for the 2027 Policy Address, including improving the business environment, revitalising the economy and expanding community spending rewards. Gaming: Macau casino revenue fell 1.2% in September to 18 billion patacas, though takings for the first nine months remained 3.2% above 2025.

Hospitality: Melco has previewed REM, a 149-room luxury hotel at City of Dreams, ahead of its grand opening. Local Industry: The Macau Industrial Products Show is set to feature about 130 companies across 172 booths, with the Greater Bay Area’s “Super Hamburger Festival” making its Macau debut. Logistics: DHL Express has named Julian Neo to lead its Hong Kong and Macau operations, with a focus on helping SMEs reach international markets and strengthening integrated supply-chain services. Economic Policy: Economy and Finance Secretary Ng Wai Han has consulted local associations, including the Industrial Association of Macau, on priorities for the 2027 Policy Address, such as improving the business environment and revitalising the economy. Green Finance: Macao’s carbon exchange says it has listed more than 30 projects from Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries, with reported emission reductions exceeding 14.1 million tonnes. Tourism Links: Macao and Hainan tourism representatives are exploring multi-stop itineraries, with better transport connections and combined stays among the priorities.

Logistics Leadership: DHL Express appoints 25-year veteran Julian Neo as Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau from 1 Oct 2026, aiming to back SMEs and deliver more integrated cross-border logistics. Border Biosecurity: Zhuhai’s Gongbei Customs seized 17 peony plants and 24.7kg of palm-family seeds from Macau-bound travellers, warning that live plant material and soil are tightly controlled due to pest and disease risks. Industrial & Food Trade: Macau’s 12th Industrial Products Show opens soon with 130 companies across 172 booths, adding the GBA “Super Hamburger Festival” in Macau for the first time. Local Economy Input: The Economy and Finance Secretary met local associations to shape the 2027 Policy Address, with proposals ranging from business environment upgrades to silver bonds and labour-market measures. Tourism & Mobility Links: Macao and Hainan tourism teams are building multi-stop itineraries, focusing on transport links and reducing transfer time. Energy Watch (Regional): China’s move to pause refined fuel exports for October (mostly beyond HK/Macau) is tightening Asian supply and keeping fuel costs volatile. Skills & Talent: Macao University of Tourism (UTM) won 1 Bronze and 4 Medals for Excellence at WorldSkills in Shanghai, including a Bronze in Retail Sales.

Chip Smuggling Probe: Taiwan prosecutors indicted 10 people for allegedly reselling restricted, military-grade chips from US firms to Hong Kong for onward delivery to China, with charges including fraud, forgery and money laundering. Energy & Logistics Shock: Chinese refiners paused October fuel exports beyond Hong Kong and Macau to rebuild domestic inventories, raising fears of tighter diesel supplies across Asia and beyond as global markets already face disruption. Macao Policy Input: Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance Ng Wai Han met local associations to gather views for the 2027 Policy Address, including ideas on business environment upgrades, youth employment, labour-management ties, and silver bonds. Carbon Market Link-Up: The Macao International Carbon Emission Exchange listed 30+ projects from Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries, reporting 14.1m tonnes of CO2 reductions and positioning Macao as a bridge to China’s international carbon finance. Digital Security Push: CTM and Huawei launched an integrated QKD-communication target IP network to strengthen quantum-secured data transmission across the Greater Bay Area. Local Skills Win: Macao University of Tourism students won one Bronze Medal and four Medals for Excellence at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai. Tourism & Trade: Macao and Hainan are developing multi-stop itineraries, while the 2026 Macao Franchise Expo (Oct 21-24) will spotlight coffee and bakery with an end-to-end service chain.

Carbon Markets: Macao’s MEX listed 30+ carbon projects from Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries, reporting combined CO2 cuts of over 14.1 million tonnes, and says it has traded 1.17 million carbon credits plus 2.07 million renewable energy certificates since launch. Biotech Licensing & Policy: A U.S. push to expand national security reviews to biotech licensing deals is gaining attention, with new rules expected to change what companies must document and how deals get screened. Local Urban Renewal: Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raymond Tam says the Chi Lam Vai heritage village revamp must balance conservation with development, with community input built into the renewal plan. Tourism & Events: Macao and Hainan are working on multi-stop itineraries, while the 2026 Macao Franchise Expo (Oct 21-24) will spotlight coffee and bakery and link exhibitors across sectors. Digital Security: CTM and Huawei launched an integrated QKD-communication target IP network to strengthen digital security across the Greater Bay Area. Energy Pressure: China’s refined fuel export curbs keep diesel and gasoline markets jumpy across Asia, feeding into higher costs and policy talk on reserves. Economy Policy Input: The Secretary for Economy and Finance Ng Wai Han gathered views from local associations for the 2027 Policy Address, including business environment upgrades and youth employment.