Market Overview
* Macau's GDP grew by an astounding 30.9% (q to q) in the third quartor of 2007. A Special Administrative Region of China, Macau is a “free port” with low taxation. Since liberalizing the gaming industry in 2002, Macao has benefited from billions of dollars in foreign investment in the gaming industry, spurring major construction projects, more visitors and an increase in consumption. Other growth areas include finance, insurance, construction, real estate and manufacturing. Macau's exports include textiles, garments, toys, electronics, and footwear. Its main export market is the U.S., while it imports mainly from Mainland China and Hong Kong.
* Key Characteristics: Rapid growth in tourism and inbound investment.
- Population: 531,400 (3Q-2007)
- Visitors: 27.0 million (2007)
- GDP: US$15.3 billion (2007)
- GDP Per Capita: US$28,853 (2007)
- Trading Partners: Mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, EU, Taiwan and U.S.
* Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with China: Macau's September 2003 agreement with China enhanced its economic integration with the PRC.
Market Challenges
* Gaming and tourism growth eclipse other sectors: Many U.S. firms are overlooking opportunities in other sectors. Though small, Macau offers companies a good foothold to get into the region.
Market Opportunities
* U.S. exports to Macau have grown significantly, up nearly 100% over 2005 to $200 million dollars.
* Specific U.S. export opportunities include: Gaming equipment; architectural services; energy-efficient lighting; recreational and sports equipment; security equipment; “smart building” systems; hotel, restaurant and resort management training services; air conditioning; building materials; carpeting; computer and financial software; and furniture.
On-going New Projects
| Project |
Investor |
Investment |
| MGM Grand Macao | MGM Grand Paradise Ltd. | US$1 billion |
| Ponte 16 Theme Park | Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A. | US$0.3 billion |
| Wynn Resorts | Wynn Resorts (Macao) Ltd. | US$1 billion |
| Crown Macao | Melco PBL Entertainment | US$0.5 billion |
| The City of Dreams | Melco PBL Entertainment | US$2 billion |
| The Coti Strip | Venetian Macao, S.A. | US$11.8 billion |
| Macao Studio City | Macao Studio City | US$2 billion |
Source: The Macao Government Tourist Office
* Major Macau public infrastructure projects include: Cotai Development, Wynn Resorts, Galaxy Resort and Casino, The Venetian, Sociedade de Jogos de Macau (SJM), and the Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai Bridge.
Here are some of the latest Macau Exhibition Events
| Event Name | Show Dates | Organizer |
| Audio Lighting & Performance Entertainment Expo (ALP 2008) | February 27-29, 2008 | Coastal International Exhibition Company Limited |
| International Gaming & Entertainment Expo | February 27-29, 2008 | Coastal International Exhibition Company Limited |
| Macau International Jewellery & Watch Fair | February 28 - March 2, 2008 | MJS Trade Fairs (Macau) Limited |
| Mega Macao | April 21-23, 2008 | Kenfair International (Overseas) Limited |
| Asia Funeral Expo (AFE) | April 23-25, 2008 | Vertical Expo Services Company Limited |
| Global Gaming Expo Asia (G2E Asia 2008) | June 3-5, 2008 | Reed Exhibitions Hong Kong |
| JMA Macau | June 14-17, 2008 | Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturer's Association |
| IAAPA Asian Expo | July 16-18, 2008 | International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) |
| Macau International Trade and Investment Fair | October 23-26, 2008 | Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) |
| World Toilet Summit & Expo | November 4-6, 2008 | World Toilet Organization and MP International Pte Ltd |
| Wine & Gourmet Asia | November 5-7, 2008 | Koelnmesse GmbH |
For more information on doing business in Macau, send email to:
James Mayfield