Market profile

Macau is a special administrative region of China that has a high level of autonomy and has its own currency. Formerly a Portuguese colony, Macau is situated on the south coast of China along the Pearl River Delta. Its proximity to both Hong Kong and Mainland China, along with its special administrative region status affords Macau the benefits of having a free and open service market, as well as being tax and duty-exempt for the majority of its trade with China. For these reasons, Macau is also considered a gateway into the Chinese market.

Macau has a population of 662,000 with both Cantonese and Portuguese as the official languages of the region. Despite its modest population, Macau receives a large number of visitors each day due to its booming tourism and gaming sectors. The Macau SAR Government is also looking into establishing the region as a MICE centre of Asia (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) and developing other non-gaming industries.There are opportunities for Australian exporters to consider the following sectors in Macau, including but not limited to:

  • Corporate training
  • VET and executive education
  • Hospitality related products and services
  • Creative services
  • Construction management, services and niche products

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is designed to improve economic flows between Macau and the other regions, as well as facilitate stronger tourism, efficient logistics and transport.

More information on doing business in Macau

Facts

  • Merchandise exports A$0.91 million
  • Services exports A$181 million
  • Official languages Chinese (Cantonese), Portuguese
  • Area 30 sq km
  • Population 0.6 million

Information provided by DFAT

Macau brief

A comprehensive overview of political, economic and bilateral and regional trade agreements.

» read more at DFAT

Trade and economic fact sheet

Containing general information, recent economic indicators, Australia’s trade and investment relationship with Macau and their global merchandise trade relationship that is updated twice a year.

» read more at DFAT

Smartraveller

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller site provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Macau. This is regularly updated and should be checked before planning travel.

» read more at DFAT

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