Hengqin launches incentives to boost Macau air cargo hub

The Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin has introduced a package of incentives aimed at strengthening Macau’s role as an international air cargo hub on the west bank of the Pearl River and promoting economic diversification.

The zone’s Industrial Development Bureau announced yesterday that the measures will support cross-border logistics, warehouse operations, use of the Macau International Airport Hengqin Upstream Cargo Terminal, air freight services and talent development. The policy will remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2028.

Under the measures, eligible international freight forwarders using the Macau International Airport Hengqin pre-positioned cargo terminal for import and export operations can receive a subsidy of RMB1 per kilogram, with an annual cap of RMB5 million per applicant.

The policy also provides subsidies covering 50% of eligible annual operating and maintenance costs for import-export business facilities, capped at RMB2 million a year. Companies using warehouses in the cooperation zone can receive subsidies covering 50% of rental costs, subject to an annual limit of RMB1 million.

International freight forwarders using the Hengqin cargo terminal can receive a subsidy covering 30% of import and export cargo handling fees, capped at RMB5 million annually.

To support Macau’s air freight competitiveness, eligible companies that commission Macau airlines or air cargo sales agents to transport imports and exports through Hengqin Port and Macau International Airport can receive subsidies equivalent to 12% of total freight charges, up to RMB12 million per applicant annually.

Macau-funded companies and “nurturing and cultivating” enterprises will receive subsidies at 120% of the standard rates.

The measures also include support for workforce development. Eligible companies can receive subsidies covering 80% of training costs, capped at RMB4,000 per employee, for qualifying aviation logistics training.

Qualified cross-border aviation logistics professionals working in the cooperation zone can also apply for living subsidies of up to RMB40,000 per person, distributed over three years.

Authorities said the measures are intended to reduce logistics costs, attract companies to Hengqin and strengthen Macau’s international air cargo competitiveness.