Sam Hou Fai unveils tax relief and fee waivers for SMEs

Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai delivered his second Policy Address yesterday, outlining a range of welfare initiatives and financial support aimed at boosting the local economy and supporting residents.

Key SME-focused measures include maintaining the Complementary Tax exemption threshold at an annual taxable income of MOP600,000 and continuing waivers on business-related fees such as business tax, hawker license fees, market stall rents, and stamp duties on insurance, banking services, and auctions.

For businesses, especially SMEs, the address emphasized tax relief measures to lower operating costs.

The government also stated it will continue the SME Bank Loan Interest Subsidy Scheme, providing up to MOP5 million in loans with a 4% interest subsidy for three years, capped at a total quota of MOP10 billion.

To qualify, SMEs must be locally operated or majority locally owned.

Meanwhile, employees are set to benefit from a 30% reduction in professional tax, plus a refund of 60% of the professional tax paid in 2024, capped at MOP14,000.

Progress supporting youth entrepreneurship in the Cooperation Zone was also noted.

Sam shared that by September 2025, “52 projects from young entrepreneurs focusing on culture, tourism, conventions, exhibitions, commerce, and technology research had been recommended.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive highlighted that “the government will support community organizations in establishing regional development centers to implement development plans, transforming land areas into distinctive yet closely connected business districts.”

Additional plans include organizing carnival-style events in the ZAPE district, aiming to merge diverse themes with tourism features, create immersive consumption experiences, reshape the community image, and boost business vitality.

Sam also emphasized studying the feasibility of establishing permanent pedestrian zones in ZAPE.

Alongside this effort, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Macao Government Tourism Bureau, and Transport Bureau are coordinating strategies to increase visitor traffic and enhance the area’s appeal.

On housing, the Chief Executive stated, “The feasibility of allocating two-bedroom units to two-person households in Zone A of Macau’s new landfills social housing project has been studied.”

He confirmed that strict enforcement of social housing withdrawal mechanisms and measures to prevent rent increases remain in place.

Efforts to ensure ‘healthy’ gaming sector

Sam also emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the gaming industry develops in a healthy and orderly manner, guiding concessionaires to adjust non-gaming investments in a strategic and scientific way.

He added that the government is addressing issues related to satellite venues and promoting cross-sector integration under the “Tourism+” strategy.