The Policy Address for 2018 has been published and people working in the industry consider that the document is pragmatic. Undertakings range from continued support for the development of emerging industries such as the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry to help for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) wanting to venture abroad.

Industry insiders say this support can help Macao companies get a better grip on market trends, facilitate co-operation between different industries, help with national development and assist expansion into markets beyond Macao.

Finding new markets

Macau Fair and Trade Association President Tony Lam tells Macao Image that the Macao SAR Government reviews its support schemes for the MICE industry every year, taking into account changes in the industry and the environment it operates in, to improve its assistance and offer the best-possible support. In 2018, the Government highlights the introduction of international certifications and measures to protect the environment, as well as differentiated financial measures, demonstrating the depth of its knowledge and support for the MICE industry, Mr Lam says.

On manpower training, Mr Lam says the Government has always had a forward-looking mind-set and supports the industry as it introduces international MICE certification. More than 200 people have completed the Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) training courses, putting the city amongst the places in China that have the most workers with the qualification. Another 63 people have earned the Exhibition Management Degree (EMD) in Macao.

The MICE industry, with the Government stepping up the promotion of the training of professionals, has new ambitions to strengthen Macao’s role as a service platform, Mr Lam says. He also says that the industry will, within the next 10 years, help 200 people in countries covered by the “Belt and Road” initiative earn EMDs. The industry will help another 500 people in the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region gain the CEM qualification.

The Policy Address contains an undertaking to put more effort into coaxing people attending MICE events in Macao to explore the city beyond their hotels or event venues. Mr Lam is pleased that the Macao SAR Government established a comprehensive plan for developing the MICE industry. He says the Macau Fair and Trade Association stresses the importance of “creating quality conditions for the development of commerce and tourism” in recent years. The tourism and MICE businesses are similar in many ways as both are highly integrated, inter-related and influential. Exchanges, experiences and learning will become the new trends in commerce and tourism, therefore, greater collaboration between the tourism and MICE industries would be welcome, he says.

Regional development, smart city

SMEs are always a highlight of the Policy Address and the Government has vowed to improve SME support schemes in 2018 and facilitate their development through Macao’s transformation to a smart city.

The Industry and Commerce Association of Macau President Kevin Ho tells Macao Image that the Macao SAR Government has endeavoured to improve the business environment for Macao enterprises by reducing their tax bills and through subsidies. For example, the SME Aid Scheme was changed in 2017 so companies that have repaid loans made under the scheme may borrow a second time. Mr Ho says this may help enterprises expand.

Mr Ho also highlighted the Policy Address’ extensive coverage of the city’s participation in the “Belt and Road” initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as well as on enabling co-operation and exchanges between young entrepreneurs in Macao, Mainland China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. These undertakings could allow enterprises more room to grow and let them play a role in national development, he says. Mr Ho hopes Macao SMEs venture abroad with the guidance of the authorities and big corporations.

Macao’s smart city development strategy underlines the need for SMEs to have innovative business models and explore both the online and e-commerce markets. Mr. Ho says Macao companies readily adapt to new technology and will seize any opportunities that prove useful to their business. In the Big Data era, he thinks the Macao SAR Government could use technology to analyse trends in the tourism and commerce markets and share the results with SMEs, so they can better prepare to contribute to the economic development.

Macau Fair and Trade Association President Tony Lam

The Industry and Commerce Association of Macau President Kevin Ho