Gov’t launches support to local heritage and specialty stores

DSEDT director Yau Yun Wah

The Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) unveiled three new assessment schemes – “Century-old Brand,” “Macao Classic Brand,” and “Expertinctive Shops” – to support the city’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

In a press conference held yesterday, the evaluation panel announced that the new schemes aim to promote distinctive local brands through an approach where flagship heritage stores become community highlights that attract consumers into neighborhoods, thereby fostering broader economic development.

DSEDT director Yau Yun Wah highlighted the significance of distinctive, long-established shops that embody Macau’s “unique charm.”

“Our preliminary analysis reveals that nearly 100 businesses in Macau have a history of over 40 years, including nearly 20 with more than 100 years of operation,” Yau said.

He also noted that these specialty businesses, known to the bureau, primarily operate in the catering, souvenir, baked goods, and retail sectors.

Drawing from other case studies, the official expressed hopes for the initiative, stating, “Just as many time-honored Chinese brands in mainland China have successfully revitalized themselves, we hope that Macau’s long-established businesses, as valuable assets and important cultural and tourism resources, will contribute to the moderate diversification and sustainable development of Macau’s economy.”

To support this vision and encourage wide participation, the authorities have removed caps on the number of applicants for the “Macao Classic Brand” and “Century-old Brand” programs.

Recounting the first round of legacy brand evaluations in 2019, Wong Ian Man, president of the Macau Chain Franchise Association, said yesterday, “With the support of the Macao SAR government, the business community, academia, and other institutions, our association completed the first round of evaluations, selecting 12.” Wong then detailed the evaluation criteria for the second Macao Classic Brand evaluation.

This year’s round of evaluations divides applicants into two categories: “Macao Classic Brand” and “Century-old Brand.”

The first category requires a business name or trademark to have been established for at least 40 years and operated under that name for a cumulative 30 years. The second category, newly introduced, requires more than 100 years since establishment, with at least 60 years of operation under the same name or trademark.

Following Wong’s introduction, Chan Chi Ieng, director of the Industry and Commerce Support Division at DSEDT, outlined details of the “Expertinctive Shops” scheme. Implemented by the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center (CPTTM), the newly launched scheme will offer 100 places in the first round, with applications accepted from Oct. 21 to Dec. 2.

Under the scheme, SMEs recognized as “Expertinctive Shops” can claim reimbursement of 60% of designated expenses related to online marketing, developing unique storefronts, and launching IP-related products, subject to a maximum limit of MOP 150,000.

According to DSEDT, those eligible for the “Expertinctive Shops” scheme include products or services with professional, high-quality, and distinctive characteristics; innovative ideas and unique charm; strong integrity; goodwill; and market development potential.

All three assessment schemes require a commercial establishment, defined as a business name legally registered by an individual or legal entity and used in its operations. Eligible companies must be established and registered in the Macau SAR, maintain sound operating status, and demonstrate capacity for sustainable development.

Applicants must also have no outstanding debts to the Macau SAR government and hold exclusive rights or the right to use a registered trademark in Macau.