AGP Executive Report

Agriculture & Food Security: China’s State Council flagged gene-editing as a critical core agricultural technology in its 15th Five-Year Plan, pushing new tools for high-efficiency and precise breeding—an industrial signal for seed R&D and future crop production. Macao Finance & Talent: Macau’s Labour Affairs Bureau launched a cross-border finance internship for young locals in Guangzhou (10 spots, four weeks), aimed at building modern finance skills under the city’s “1+4” economic strategy. Infrastructure & Regional Connectivity: The 17th IIICF in Macao rolled out two Belt and Road infrastructure index reports and highlighted “green digital” connectivity, while Pakistan’s WAPDA chair urged strict adherence to shared-water treaties at the forum. Construction & Safety Tech: Hong Kong and Shenzhen launched five Qianhai pilot projects using Hong Kong’s NEC contract model and the Smart Site Safety System (4S), testing new contract and digital safety practices. Shipping & Logistics: Cathay Cargo extended its Air-Land Fresh Lane cold-chain model to Macao via Hong Kong, enabling faster perishable delivery under a single air waybill. Food Safety: Macau’s IAM ordered a stop-sell and recall after Listeria monocytogenes was found in boneless chicken feet from a local processor. Tourism & Events: Skal International Asia Congress returned to Macao, reinforcing the city’s role as an international tourism platform. Energy & Decarbonisation (HK): Hong Kong will start two incentive schemes on June 16 to boost green maritime fuels, supporting port dues and local vessel registration. Entertainment & Gaming (Macao): Cotai show bookings at Galaxy and Sands fell 42.5% year-on-year in Q2, while analysts expect World Cup-driven pressure on Macau GGR.

Sportswear & Retail: Anta is pushing deeper into global sportswear, opening a Beverly Hills flagship and riding an acquisition-led portfolio to boost revenue growth. Infrastructure & Connectivity (Macao): The 17th IIICF in Macao rolled out new Belt and Road infrastructure indexes and highlighted “green digital infrastructure connectivity,” while Macau’s Transport and Public Works chief pointed to the city’s “1+4” diversification and four flagship projects. Construction & Engineering (GBA): Hong Kong and Shenzhen launched five Qianhai pilot projects using Hong Kong’s NEC contract model and a Smart Site Safety System to tighten delivery and safety across the border. Shipping & Logistics (Hong Kong): Hong Kong’s Marine Department will start two incentive schemes on June 16 to speed up green maritime fuels adoption, including port- dues concessions and green vessel registration support. Food Safety (Macao): Macau’s IAM ordered a stop-sell and recall of boneless chicken feet after Listeria monocytogenes was found in routine testing. Aviation & Trade (GBA): Cathay Cargo extended its Air-Land Fresh Lane to Macao for faster cold-chain perishables handling via a single air waybill. Tourism Industry (Macao): Skal International Asia Congress returned to Macao, underscoring the city’s role as a regional tourism “platform.” Aviation Slots (Thailand): 87 airlines asked for more winter 2026/27 slots and routes to Thailand, signaling continued tourism demand.

Food Safety Watch: Macau’s food regulator (IAM) ordered a stop-sale and recall after routine testing found unsatisfactory Listeria monocytogenes levels in boneless “sour and spicy lemon” chicken feet from Macau Full Basket Industria Lda, with follow-up inspections and hygiene process rework required. Infrastructure & Trade: The 17th IIICF opened in Macao on 11 June, drawing 3,500+ guests from 70+ places and focusing on “Boosting Green Digital Infrastructure Connectivity,” with the city positioned as a “precise connector” for green, digital connectivity. Hospitality & Tourism Industry: Skal International Asia Congress returned to Macao (12–14 June) under “Celebrating Heritage – Empowering Innovation,” reinforcing the city’s role as a regional tourism platform. Logistics & Cold Chain: Cathay Cargo extended its Air-Land Fresh Lane for perishables to Macao, enabling faster cold-chain delivery via a single air waybill and Hong Kong transhipment certificate. Energy Transition: Hong Kong launched two incentive schemes from 16 June to push green maritime fuels, offering port dues concessions and registration incentives for lower-carbon shipping. Construction Collaboration: Hong Kong and Shenzhen started five Qianhai pilot projects using Hong Kong’s NEC contract model and the Smart Site Safety System (4S) to improve delivery and safety alignment. Retail & Consumer Goods: Lotte Duty Free debuted a limited-edition Hennessy X.O “Spirit of Travel” Seoul collection, adding city-themed decanters and travel accessories for airport shoppers. Business & Finance (Wealth Planning): AIA Hong Kong & Macau rolled out the Wealth Flexi Savings Insurance Plan with legacy-focused features like policy split and ownership succession arrangements for HNW families. Power Mix Insight: Analysis says Asia’s solar output has overtaken gas for the first time, highlighting how clean power is reshaping electricity generation trends across the region.

Food Safety & Regulation: Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety says 1 of 160 rice dumpling samples failed a nutrition label check after a fat-content mismatch; the vendor stopped sales of the affected batch and prosecution may follow. Green Shipping Incentives: Hong Kong’s Marine Department will launch two 3-year schemes from June 16 to cut costs and speed adoption of green maritime fuels, including port dues concessions and incentives for green-fuel vessel registration. Medical Supply Rules: From June 14, Hong Kong will regulate medical gases as pharmaceutical products, requiring drug dealer licences and product registration before sale. Cross-border Trade Enforcement: Hong Kong Customs seized about 230,000 suspected counterfeit items worth around US$20m ahead of the World Cup, including ~30,000 jerseys, plus arrests tied to logistics and online sales. Macao Infrastructure & Connectivity: Macao’s IIICF opened with a focus on green digital infrastructure connectivity, while the Chief Executive reiterated Macao’s role as a “precise connector” supporting Belt and Road links and Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking connectivity. Education & Talent Pipeline: Macao Polytechnic University and Portugal’s University of Coimbra signed a deal to build a joint global campus in Hengqin, supporting degree programs, research, and training. AI & Local Skills: MTel and Lou Hau High School signed an AI cooperation agreement aimed at hands-on training and internships for students.

Education & Talent Pipeline: SJM Resorts and Vivienne Westwood launch a digital content competition for Macau students, with prizes including flights to Paris and VIP fashion-show access, while Lou Hau High School and MTel sign an AI-focused cooperation deal offering real on-the-job training and internship pathways. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Macau’s IIICF opened with a push for green digital infrastructure connectivity and “precise connector” services linking China with Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries; Transport Secretary Raymond Tam also outlined progress on the “1+4” strategy and four flagship projects, including the Hengqin education town, tourism-cultural zone, airport transport hub, and Sci-Tech Park. Cross-border Higher Education: Macao Polytechnic University and the University of Coimbra sign an agreement to develop a joint global campus in Hengqin, expanding degree programs, research, and training networks. Food Safety: IAM orders a local plant to stop production and recall boneless chicken feet after Listeria was found in samples. Energy & Power Grid: CEM reports 2025 investment of 967 million patacas, with major spending on transmission and distribution upgrades including new substations. Trade Enforcement: Hong Kong customs seize 230,000 suspected counterfeit World Cup items worth about $20m, including 30,000 jerseys, with arrests tied to logistics and online sales. Children’s Culture: Tickets go on sale for the 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival (June 30–Aug), featuring international puppetry and science-themed shows.

Cross-Border Trade Enforcement: Hong Kong customs seized 230,000 suspected counterfeit items worth about $20M ahead of the World Cup, including ~30,000 jerseys, plus footwear, watches, speakers and handbags; six people were arrested and most goods were reportedly bound for the Americas. F1 Industry & Energy Rules: F1 stakeholders agreed a two-step engine regulation U-turn for 2027-2028 to ease energy-management pressure—moving from the 2026 53/47 split toward 58/42 in 2027 and 60/40 in 2028, with fuel flow and electric deployment adjusted to make qualifying more “flat-out.” Macao Infrastructure & Connectivity: The 17th IIICF opened at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo, aiming to promote Chinese infrastructure brands globally with a “green digital infrastructure connectivity” theme and 250+ activities. Macao Power & Grid Upgrade: CEM reported 2025 investment of 967M patacas, with 60.6% earmarked for transmission and distribution upgrades, including progress on new substations and dispatch upgrades. Food Safety: Macau’s IAM ordered a local plant to stop production and recall boneless chicken feet after Listeria was found in samples, requiring process rectification and re-inspection. Portugal Food & Hospitality: Portuguese National Day celebrations in Macau featured Gourmet Feast 2026 and a Portuguese gastronomic route, highlighting agri-food exports and Macau’s role as a gateway to Asian markets. Biopharma Deal for Macau: Everest Medicines secured an exclusive Asia-Pacific license for Sumecigrel, covering Macao SAR among other markets, expanding its cardiovascular portfolio.

F1 Regulation Update: The FIA has agreed engine rule amendments for 2027–2028, shifting the power split to 58/42 in 2027 and 60/40 from 2028, with higher fuel flow and harvesting limits to ease energy-management pressure. Food Safety in Macau: IAM ordered a local plant to stop production and recall sour and spicy lemon boneless chicken feet after Listeria was found at an “unsatisfactory” level, with re-inspection required. Power Infrastructure: CEM says 60.6% of its 2025 investment (586m patacas) went to upgrading transmission and distribution, including progress on Tai On and Barra substations. Macau Education & Skills: Macao Polytechnic University plans QS top-100 partnerships and will expand science and engineering via its Hengqin campus, targeting advanced manufacturing/robotics, smart transport, and AI. Health & Trade Links: An IPIM delegation visited São Paulo to deepen biopharma cooperation with Brazil and Portuguese-speaking partners, signing multiple agreements. Tourism & Culture: Portuguese National Day celebrations in Macau included a “Gourmet Feast 2026” with themed menus across 35 restaurants and a focus on Portugal’s agri-food exports. Regional Finance Outlook: Fitch upgraded its 2026 outlook for the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan to “neutral,” citing resilience and improving price dynamics.

Biotech & Health Trade: Antengene says China’s NMPA approved an IND for ATG-201 (CD19/CD3 TCE) in B-cell related autoimmune diseases, with Phase I ATTRACT set to start in China and development planning also underway for Australia. Education & Industry Skills: Macao Polytechnic University will push partnerships with QS top-100 universities and use its Hengqin campus to strengthen engineering, science, advanced manufacturing and robotics, smart transportation, and AI—while graduating nearly 1,700 students. Greater Bay Area Finance: New rules tightening cross-border investment are expected to boost demand for compliant wealth channels like Stock Connect and cross-boundary wealth management in the GBA. Robotics & Automation Watch: China’s humanoid robot push is scaling fast, but experts warn demand may lag production capacity—an issue Macao’s tech and manufacturing partners will be watching. Health Partnerships Abroad: An SAR delegation in Brazil is pursuing pharmaceutical and biopharma cooperation to expand Macau’s Greater Health industry links into Portuguese-speaking markets. Local Business Pressure: Reporting highlights how “northbound” consumption for Macau vehicles and weekend shopping is pulling spending away from nearby Macau SMEs, especially restaurants near the border. Waste & Environment: Macau’s solid waste rose 1.0% in 2025 to 532,053 tonnes, still below 2019 levels, with incineration continuing as the main treatment route.

Education & Workforce: Macao Polytechnic University held its 2025/26 graduation on June 9, with nearly 1,700 graduates and a government pledge to back the school’s Hengqin expansion and international talent, research and tech exchange. Gaming & Hospitality Networking: Inside Asian Gaming confirmed Macau After Dark (MAD 36) on July 7 at The Garden House, Grand Lisboa Palace, bringing industry leaders together in a new Cotai venue. Arts & Culture for Visitors: Galaxy Entertainment Group opened “Dazzling Galaxy – Crystalline Art Exhibition” at GalaxyArt, running to Sept 13 with 60+ works blending translucent materials, Eastern themes and tech-driven creativity. Environment & Waste: Macau’s solid waste rose 1.0% in 2025 to 532,053 tonnes, still below 2019 levels, as the city continues managing incineration in Taipa. Cross-border Trade & Health Industry Links: IPIM led an 8-day business exchange to São Paulo, supporting bio-pharma cooperation with multiple agreements aimed at expanding Macau’s Portuguese-speaking market reach. Tech & Automation Watch: A report highlights China’s use of autonomous robotics to build a major expressway segment, a reminder for Macao industries to plan for AI-driven construction and labour shifts.

Macau Environment: Macau generated 532,053 tonnes of solid waste in 2025, up 1.0% year-on-year, with per-capita daily output rising to 2.13kg; waste is incinerated at Taipa’s Pac On facility. Gaming & Tourism: Galaxy Entertainment Group opened “Dazzling Galaxy – Crystalline Art Exhibition” at GalaxyArt, running to Sept 13 with 60+ translucent, technology-meets-art works. Cross-border Infrastructure: Macau awarded the management and operation of the Taipa Ferry Terminal Heliport to Macau Heliport Services Co Ltd via direct award, citing special airport qualifications; the facility is preparing for operations and aims to support Greater Bay Area helicopter services. EV & Energy: Macau completed construction of its first EV supercharging station in Cotai and plans to add more fast chargers and scooter charging points, plus app upgrades for real-time availability. Health & Safety: Macau is also seeing public-health attention with a confirmed local mpox case under investigation, while Hong Kong’s Labour Department urged employers to plan flexible work arrangements during rainstorm and tropical cyclone warning periods. Industry Outlook: CLSA expects Macau gaming growth to slow in 2H26 as comparisons get tougher and capex rises, trimming its 2026 GGR forecast.

Environment & Waste: Macau’s Environmental Protection Bureau says solid waste rose 1.0% in 2025 to 532,053 tonnes (still below 2019 levels), with per-capita daily waste at 2.13kg. EV Charging Push: Macau also completed works on its first EV supercharging station in Cotai and plans to add more fast chargers and scooter charging points this year, with an app upgrade for real-time availability. Macao Tourism & Culture: Galaxy Entertainment Group opened “Dazzling Galaxy – Crystalline Art Exhibition” at GalaxyArt (over 60 works, running to Sept 13), blending translucent art with “technology + art + Eastern culture.” Cross-border Infrastructure & Services: Macau awarded the management of the Taipa Ferry Terminal Heliport to Macau Heliport Services Co Ltd via direct concession, aiming to expand helicopter services in the Greater Bay Area. Regional Industry Event: The SPiCE East Asia Summit (June 24-26) will debut in Ho Chi Minh City, bringing together gaming, tourism, hospitality, payments, tech and regulators. Construction Safety: A fatal fall accident occurred at a Tuen Mun public housing site; works were suspended and an investigation ordered. Health Alert (HK): Hong Kong’s CHP is investigating a confirmed mpox case and urges vaccination for high-risk groups.

EV Charging & Carbon Push: Macau’s first EV supercharging station in Cotai (Rua da Patinagem) has finished construction and is moving into gradual trial operation, as the government plans ~20% more fast chargers and adds scooter charging points across public carparks, with CEM support to improve real-time availability. Startup & Innovation Ecosystem: The 929 Challenge is expanding into AIE Expo Macao, bringing a new acceleration programme to help startups enter the Greater Bay Area, with access to hundreds of exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors. Food Safety Tech: Macau’s IAM is rolling out a smart food safety risk monitoring and early alert platform with AI support, while the takeaway registration system keeps tightening hygiene and compliance, with thousands of registered shops and ongoing inspections. Local Consumer Branding: Cha Yu, a homegrown Macau tea beverage brand, rebrands and leans on original recipes and “cloud milk tea” to stand out against foreign franchises. Pharma in Greater China: Everest Medicines secured rights to develop and commercialize VIZZ (LNZ100) across Greater China (including Macau), with an expected China approval timeline into 2027. Biotech R&D Update: Antengene presented first preclinical data on ATG-207 at EULAR 2026, highlighting regulatory T-cell induction and immune tolerance potential.

EV & Energy Infrastructure: Macau’s first EV supercharging station in Cotai is completed and moving into gradual trial operation, with the government planning ~20% more fast chargers this year and adding scooter charging points in 50+ public carparks, while optimizing the charging-station app with CEM for real-time availability. Green Transition: Macau launched its Environment Day 2026 programme and “energy saving and carbon reduction for all” campaign, including school education, online livestreams, and citywide actions like “lights off one hour,” as emissions are said to have stabilized. Startup & Tech Ecosystem: The 929 Challenge expands into AIE Expo Macao (Dec 3-4 at Cotai Expo), adding a new acceleration programme to help startups enter the Greater Bay Area, with access to 900+ exhibitors and 50,000 professionals. Food Safety & Retail Compliance: IAM says its AI-enabled food safety risk monitoring and early alert platform is expanding, and that takeaway shops must be registered—4,267 shops have valid certificates, with thousands of inspections since 2025. Macao Business & Tourism Push: MGTO is actively courting Southeast Asia via Malaysia and Thailand travel marts to update trade partners on Macao’s “tourism +” products and MICE offerings.

Environment & Public Health: Macao kicked off its Environment Day 2026 programme and a citywide “energy saving and carbon reduction for all” push, including school education, online livestreams, and “lights off one hour,” while authorities also flagged rising mosquito risk and released updated gravidtrap indexes, with Macau exploring smarter mosquito-trap imports as an alternative to broad chemical spraying. Food Safety & Regulation: The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) says its AI-enabled food safety risk monitoring and early alert platform is expanding, with data submission and instant electronic alerts for pre-packaged foods, and it continues tightening takeaway hygiene via a registration system now covering 4,267 shops. Cross-border Finance: Macao went live on the mBridge CBDC platform, with local banks completing 23 cross-border transactions on day one worth about MOP13 billion, supporting faster settlements and remittances. Tourism & MICE Growth: MGTO is actively courting Southeast Asia, running Macao Tourism Product Updates Seminars and Travel Marts in Malaysia and Thailand to push “tourism +” offerings. Tech & Trade Compliance: Washington’s latest AI chip export guidance targets advanced processors sold to entities headquartered in China or Macau, closing a loophole that had reportedly enabled chip buying via overseas subsidiaries. Entertainment & Culture: Damai Entertainment confirmed the international rollout of the Teochew drama “Dear You,” with Macau among the first wave territories starting June 18.

Environment & Energy: Macao kicked off its Environment Day 2026 programme and “energy saving and carbon reduction for all” campaign, with school education, online livestreams, and “lights off one hour,” plus a donation linked to the plastic bag charging scheme; officials said land transport has reached its carbon peak. Tourism & MICE: MGTO pushed Southeast Asia demand with Macao Tourism Product Updates Seminars and a Travel Mart in Malaysia and Thailand, pitching “tourism +” and new products to travel trade partners. Food Safety Tech: IAM expanded a smart early-warning platform for food safety risk monitoring, using AI to speed alerts, while also reinforcing takeaway shop registration and hygiene supervision. Cross-border Finance: Macao went live on mBridge for cross-border CBDC payments; three banks completed 23 transactions on day one, totaling about MOP13 billion across China, Hong Kong and the UAE. Public Health: Authorities flagged rising mosquito breeding conditions and discussed smarter trap trials as part of dengue/chikungunya risk management. Regulation Watch (Global): US BIS closed a China AI chip “loophole,” tightening licensing expectations for advanced chips routed via overseas entities—an issue that can ripple into regional data centres and supply chains. Catholic Centre: The Macau Catholic Centre’s June 12 opening was postponed due to technical construction issues.

Tourism Trade Push: MGTO is taking Macao’s “tourism +” pitch to Southeast Asia, running a Tourism Product Updates Seminar and Travel Mart in Malaysia and Thailand to line up travel trade partners and boost inbound interest. Cross-Border Finance: Macao officially went live on mBridge, with local banks completing 23 cross-border CBDC transactions on day one, including settlements involving China, Hong Kong and the UAE—an early test of faster, lower-fee digital payments. Food Safety Tech: IAM is expanding its AI-enabled Food Safety Risk Monitoring and Early Alert Platform, while also tightening takeaway oversight via the registration system (4,267 registered shops; 3,650+ inspections since 2025). Public Health Watch: FEHD released updated mosquito gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus, showing rising breeding conditions and reinforcing community participation in control measures. Energy & Renewables Signals: SNEC 2026 in Shanghai drew major regional energy storage and battery-swapping discussions, with a strategic cooperation agreement signed around projects in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Global Currency Angle: Standard Chartered data says global yuan use has more than doubled over the past decade, with Macao and Hong Kong policy initiatives cited as supporting factors.