Macau and Hengqin deepen economic alignment after New Year

In the weeks following the New Year holiday, Macau authorities highlighted accelerating integration with Hengqin as a buffer against gaming-led volatility. Official data releases and policy briefings pointed to steady growth in non-gaming tourism, exhibitions and financial services, alongside continued support measures for small and medium-sized enterprises operating across the border. Hengqin cooperation zones reported rising business registrations linked to Macau firms, particularly in healthcare, cultural industries and modern services. Officials stressed that 2026 would mark a shift from pilot schemes to scaled-up implementation, including cross-border professional recognition and simplified administrative procedures. The emphasis on diversification reflects Beijing’s longer-term expectations that Macau function as both a tourism hub and a specialist services platform within the GBA.