Economy projected to grow up to 3.5%

The local economy is projected to grow by 2.5-3.5%, primarily driven by advancements in AI-related industries, revitalized regional trade, and the ongoing recovery of tourism.

To explore this year’s global opportunities and challenges, with a particular focus on changes in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, Banco Delta Asia S.A.L. (Delta Asia Bank) hosted a forum yesterday aimed at promoting discussions on economic trends and strengthening regional cooperation.

Stanley Au, chairman of Delta Asia Financial Group, said he hopes that small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will leverage the forum to refine their business strategies.

Keynote speaker Edward Kwan Yiu Chen, an honorary professor at the University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Business and Economics, shared valuable insights during the forum, presenting his analysis titled “Economic Outlook for Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau in 2026: Challenges and Opportunities.”

He projected global economic growth for this year at 2.6% to 2.9%, with mainland China’s growth estimated between 4% and 5%. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is expected to grow by 2.8% to 3.2%, and Macau by 2.5% to 3.5%.

Kwan emphasized the importance of actively exploring markets in middle-power nations, such as Portuguese-speaking countries and ASEAN nations, while also reinforcing the government’s role in guiding economic development.

As the forum organizer, Au discussed the operating environment for SMEs in Macau during a media interview.

He noted that the business climate for SMEs remains “relatively unfavorable,” expressing his belief that banks are willing to ease this burden by implementing measures such as “interest-only repayment with principal deferred.”