This English translation is for reference only. The Chinese version shall prevail in case of any inconsistencies.
Notice on Issuing the Measures for Supporting the High-Quality Development of Commercial and Trade Industry in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin
All relevant departments,
The Measures for Supporting the High-Quality Development of Commercial and Trade Industry in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin have been approved by the Executive Committee of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, and are hereby issued. Please implement the measures in accordance with your actual situation.
Economic Development Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin
December 11, 2024
Normative Document No. 15/2024 of the Economic Development Bureau
Measures for Supporting the High-Quality Development of Commercial and Trade Industry in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin
Article 1.
Purpose of the Measures
In order to implement the Master Plan for the Construction of Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and Master Plan of the Development of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, these Measures are established based on the actual conditions of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin (hereinafter referred to as the “Cooperation Zone”) and with the aims to develop new industries that promote the moderate diversification of Macao’s economy and build an internationally influential trading hub.
Article 2.
Definitions
For the purposes of these Measures, the following terms are defined as follows:
1. “Commercial circulation industries” refer to relevant categories under the Industrial Classification for National Economic Activities, including wholesale and retail trade, accommodation and catering, leasing and business operations, transportation, warehousing and postal activities, resident services, and other service sectors.
2. “Business area” refers to the floor area directly used for business operations such as merchandise sales, catering, accommodation, and entertainment, including kitchen areas used for food processing, cooking, and preparation; the term “business area” excludes ancillary public service spaces and facilities such as offices, warehouses, storage rooms, public corridors, and parking lots.
3. “Operating revenue” refers to the main business income and other business income of an entity within the Cooperation Zone, as verified by the Cooperation Zone’s statistical accounting data.
4. “Commercial complex” refers to a large-scale integrated building complex that is regionally centered and shopping mall-led, integrating various major urban functions and activities such as commercial retail, catering, leisure and wellness, entertainment, culture, and education, and providing comprehensive services to diverse consumer groups. It shall also meet the following criteria:
(1) Managed under unified planning and operation by an enterprise, with a unified name (e.g., “XXX Center,” “XXX Plaza,” “XXX City”);
(2) Encompassing retail formats such as supermarkets, department stores, specialty stores, and exclusive stores; catering formats such as full-service and fast-food restaurants; and at least two major service formats, such as cultural, entertainment, fitness, and training facilities;
(3) Having a business area of no less than 10,000 square meters and accommodating no fewer than 50 independently operating merchants;
(4) Equipped with dedicated parking facilities specifically for customers of the commercial complex.
5. “Brand warehouse supermarket” refers to a warehouse supermarket brand with at least five branches globally, each with a business area of at least 15,000 square meters.
6. “Hypermarket” refers to a supermarket with a business area exceeding 6,000 square meters and offering a wide variety of goods for one-stop shopping.
7. “Portuguese-speaking countries” refer to the nine countries where Portuguese is an official language, including Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe, East Timor, and Equatorial Guinea.
8. “Project investment amount” refers to the actual expenditure on infrastructure, renovation, equipment, materials, and information system construction (excluding land acquisition costs, salaries, rent, and utilities), as verified by third-party audit reports.
9. “High-quality reputable restaurants” refer to catering enterprises listed in any of the latest editions of the following rankings: the China Time-honored Brands recognized by the Ministry of Commerce; the China Top 100 Catering Enterprises list issued by the China Cuisine Association; the “Black Pearl Restaurant Guide” by Meituan; or Michelin-starred restaurants.
10. “Specialty brand restaurants” refer to restaurants included in the latest edition of the “Top 10 Catering Brands in China” selected by the Organizing Committee of the China Catering Marketing Conference.
11. “Chain brand restaurants” refers to those with a certain level of public recognition (having received at least one positive media coverage by municipal-level or higher media platforms) and operating at least ten branches nationwide, or at least three branches in Guangdong Province and the Macao Special Administrative Region (hereinafter referred to as “Macao”) combined.
12. “First store in the Cooperation Zone” refers to the first physical store with a business area of at least 200 square meters, opened by an international, Macao, or local brand within the Cooperation Zone.
13. “Flagship store” refers to a physical store with a business area of at least 500 square meters, exceeding the size of other physical stores of the same brand in the Cooperation Zone and Zhuhai, and offering all product categories under the brand’s primary classification.
14. “Internationally reputable retail brands” refer to brands with at least three stores in globally recognized consumer cities (New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Dubai, Geneva, Zurich, Dublin, Copenhagen, Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Seoul) and have received positive media coverage at least three times in national media platforms or renowned fashion publications such as VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar China, COSMOPOLITAN China, T Magazine, ELLE, GQ, marie claire, and BOF.
15. “Domestically reputable retail brands” refer to brands with a cumulative total of at least five stores in sub-provincial or higher-level cities in China and have received positive media coverage at least five times in national media platforms.
16. “Regional specialty retail brands” refer to brands with at least ten stores within a single prefecture-level administrative region or above and have received positive media coverage at least five times in municipal-level or higher media platforms.
17. “Macao Classic Brands” refer to time-honored shops selected and recognized by the Macao Government Tourism Office.
18.“Macao Distinctive Shops” refer to shops included in the Distinctive Shops Programme administered by the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region.
19. “Macao Ideas” refers to the exhibition center established by the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) for promoting “Made in Macao”, “Macao Brand”, and “Macao Design” products.
20. All monetary amounts in these Measures are denominated in Renminbi (RMB);
Article 3.
Eligible Entities
These Measures apply to enterprises or institutions that are lregistered, subject to tax administration, and statistical reporting in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin (hereinafter referred to as the “Cooperation Zone”), These enterprises or institutions shall also possess independent legal person status, equipped with standard financial management systems, and be engaed in substantive operations in the development, production, and operation of commercial and trade circulation industries within the Cooperation Zone. The determination of substantive operations shall follow the requirements stipulated in the Rules for Determining Substantive Operations of Enterprises in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin (Normative Document No. 2/2023 of the Executive Committee).
Applicants shall not be eligible for incentives under these Measures if any of the following conditions apply during the application year or the preceding year:
1. The applicant is listed on the “Credit China” platform as a discredited entity, included in the list of enterprises with abnormal operating records, listed as a dishonest person subject to enforcement, or included in the list of unreachable or abnormally operating institutions;
2. The applicant has received administrative penalties for violating laws, regulations, or rules related to work safety, market regulation, environmental protection, fire safety, taxation, etc., during their business operations, and the administrative penalty is subject to a hearing as stipulated in the Implementation Measures for Administrative Penalty Hearing Procedures in Guangdong Province;
3. The applicant is in arrears on repayable fiscal funds.
Article 4.
Support for Commercial Complex Operations
Commercial complex operators that achieve a 70% occupancy rate (measured by the ratio of the actual business area of open shops to the total business area) and accommodate at least 50 independent merchants during the implementation period may receive phased incentive rewards on a 1:1 basis. The reward standards are as follows:
1. For business areas ranging from 10,000 square meters (inclusive) to 30,000 square meters (exclusive), a reward of RMB 1 million may be granted;
2. For business areas ranging from 30,000 square meters (inclusive) to 50,000 square meters (exclusive), a reward of RMB 2 million may be granted;
3. For business areas ranging from 50,000 square meters (inclusive) to 100,000 square meters (exclusive), a reward of RMB 5 million may be granted;
4. For business areas of 100,000 square meters (inclusive) or more, a reward of RMB 12 million may be granted.
The above-mentioned rewards are non-cumulative and may be claimed only once. However, if the same operator manages multiple commercial complexes with a total business area of 10,000 square meters or more within the Cooperation Zone, the operator may choose to apply for the reward based on the aggregated business area. Areas used for hotels, offices, and residences shall be excluded from the calculation of the business area of commercial complexes.
Article 5.
Opening Support for Brand Warehouse Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
For brand warehouse supermarkets commencing operations during the implementation period of these Measures (operating a single store with a business area of at least 15,000 square meters), the operating entity may be granted a reward of RMB 10 million.
For hyper brand warehouse supermarkets that commence operations during the implementation period of these Measures, operate a single store with a business area of at least 15,000 square meters, and have been in operation for more than one year, if these hyper brand warehouse supermarkets undertake equipment renovation and upgrade projects with a one-time expenditure exceeding RMB 3 million, a subsidy equal to 20% of the project investment amount, up to a maximum of RMB 3 million, may be granted. One-time expenditures shall be subject to verification based on data from a special audit report issued by a third-party audit institution.
For hypermarkets that commence operations during the implementation period of these Measures (operating a single store with a business area of at least 6,000 square meters), the operating entity of the hypermarkets may be granted a reward of RMB 1 million.
Article 6.
Support for Statistical Inclusion of Enterprises within Commercial Complexes
Commercial complexes are encouraged to facilitate the registration of on-site businesses (enterprises) as independent legal entities within the Cooperation Zone during the implementation period of these Measures. Where a commercial complex that meets specified criteria regarding the number of on-site businesses (enterprises) registered as independent legal entities within the Cooperation Zone, the operating entity of the complex may be rewarded in accordance with the following standards:
1. If the number of on-site businesses (enterprises) registered as independent legal entities and included in the statistical reporting in the Cooperation Zone ranges from 25 (inclusive) to 49 (exclusive), the operating entity of the commercial complex may be granted a reward of RMB 1 million. For operating entity that, after receiving the reward under clause 1, subsequently meets the criteria in clause 2, an additional reward may be granted to make up the difference, with a maximum total reward of RMB 2 million during the implementation period of these Measures.
2. If the number of on-site businesses (enterprises) registered as independent legal entities and included in the statistical reporting in the Cooperation Zone reaches 50 or more, the operating entity may be granted a reward of RMB 2 million.
3. For each on-site enterprise whose annual operating revenue exceeds its highest historical year-on-year record, a reward of RMB 100,000 may be granted for every RMB 10 million increase in revenue. The maximum annual reward for a single operating entity shall not exceed RMB 5 million.
Each applicant is eligible to apply for the rewards outlined in clauses 1 and 2 of this Article no more than once per year during the implementation period of these Measures.
Article 7.
Support for Nighttime Economy Development of Commercial Complexes
For enterprises or social organizations that organize distinctive nighttime economy activities in commercial complexes, with total expenditure for a single event of RMB 1 million or more, a reward equal to 15% of the actual expenses incurred for promotion and publicity may be granted for each event, up to a maximum of RMB 1 million.
Applicants for nighttime economy activity subsidies must obtain prior approval from the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone to support the activity.
“Nighttime economy activities” refer to service-based economic activities that are effectively conducted between 6:00 PM (18:00) and 2:00 AM (02:00) of the following day and last for four hours or more, including night tours, night shopping, night dining, and night entertainment.
Each applicant may apply for the rewards specified in this Article no more than twice per year during the implementation period of these Measures.
Article 8.
Support for Consumption Promotion Themed Activities in Commercial Complexes
For entities that organize themed activities such as “brand economy, e-commerce live streaming, cultural creativity, sports tourism, catering consumption, exhibition consumption, fashion consumption, family-friendly consumption, green consumption, and duty-free economy,” a reward equal to 15% of the actual promotional expenses may be granted per event, up to a maximum of RMB 500,000.
For entities that organize activities themed on “Portuguese-speaking countries product consumption,” a reward equal to 20% of the actual promotional expenses may be granted per event, up to a maximum of RMB 1 million.
Applicants for consumption-themed activity subsidies must obtain prior approval from the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone to support the activity.
Each applicant may apply for the rewards specified in this Article no more than twice per year during the implementation period of these Measures.
Activities that satisfy both Article 7 and this Article shall not be eligible for double rewards.
Article 9.
Support for Hotel Revenue Growth
For hotels that have been in substantive operation for at least one year during the implementation period of these Measures and achieve annual operating revenue of RMB 7.5 million, RMB 15 million, RMB 30 million, or RMB 50 million for the first time, one-time rewards of RMB 250,000, RMB 500,000, RMB 1 million, or RMB 2 million may be granted respectively.
For enterprises that achieve higher annual operating revenue standards after receiving the aforementioned rewards may be granted supplementary rewards in accordance with the corresponding standards, provided that the maximum total reward under this Article shall not exceed RMB 2 million during the implementation period of these Measures. Each applicant may apply for the rewards specified in this Article once per year. If an applicant operates multiple eligible hotels within the Cooperation Zone, the total revenue may be combined for application.
Article 10.
Support for the Opening and Revenue Growth of Specialty Catering and Restaurants
For catering enterprises that have been in substantive operation for at least one year during the implementation period of these Measures, one-time support may be granted according to the following standards:
1. High-quality reputable restaurants, specialty brand restaurants, and chain brand restaurants with a business area reaching 1,000 square meters or more, may be granted a one-time reward of RMB 500,000; those with a business area of 200 square meters or more (inclusive) but less than 1,000 square meters (exclusive) may be granted a one-time reward of RMB 200,000.
2. Brand catering enterprises that are in substantive operation and have a business area of 200 square meters (inclusive) or more may be granted one-time rewards of RMB 100,000 and RMB 200,000, respectively, if these enterprises are listed in the Ctrip Gourmet List or Black Pearl Restaurant Guide published after January 1, 2022. Brand catering enterprises that are in substantive operation and have a business area of 200 square meters or more (inclusive) may be granted rewards of RMB 1 million, RMB 500,000, and RMB 250,000, respectively, if these enterprises are listed in the latest edition of the Michelin Guide as three-star, two-star, and one-star ratings enterprises, respectively.
3. Catering enterprises that operate in the Cooperation Zone may be granted a reward of RMB 50,000 for each RMB 1 million increase in annual operating revenue (including only meal income and merchandise sales) exceeding the highest historical year-on-year record. The maximum cumulative reward for a single enterprise under this clause during the implementation period of these Measures shall not exceed RMB 500,000.
Article 11.
Support for the Introduction of Reputable Retail Brands
During the implementation period of these Measures, support will be provided for the introduction and operation of the first stores in the Cooperation Zone, reputable retail brands, and Macao Distinctive Shops.
1. Support for the Introduction and Operation of the First Stores in the Cooperation Zone
(1) Support for the Introduction of the First Stores: Commercial facility operating entities or community operating entities that successfully introduce a reputable retail brand’s first store or flagship store in the Cooperation Zone and have signed a lease agreement of no less than three years may be granted a reward of RMB 200,000 for each first store introduced, with a maximum annual reward of RMB 5 million per entity;
(2) Support for the Operation of the First Stores: Reputable retail brand enterprises that open a first store or flagship store in the Cooperation Zone and have signed a lease agreement of no less than three years may be granted a reward equal to 20% of the proportion of project investment exceeding RMB 1 million, with a maximum of RMB 5 million.
2. Support for the Introduction and Operation of Reputable Retail Brands in the Cooperation Zone
(1) Commercial facility operating entities or community operating entities that successfully introduce a reputable retail brand store with a business area of at least 200 square meters (inclusive) and have signed a lease agreement of no less than three years with the brand store may be granted a reward of RMB 100,000 for each store introduced, with a maximum annual reward of RMB 2.5 million per entity;
(2) Reputable retail brand enterprises that open a store in the Cooperation Zone with a business area of at least 200 square meters (inclusive) and have signed a lease agreement of no less than three years may be granted a reward equal to 20% of the proportion of project investment exceeding RMB 1 million, with a maximum of RMB 2.5 million.
3. Support for the Introduction of Macao Distinctive Shops in the Cooperation Zone
Commercial facility operating entities or community operating entities that successfully introduce at least 10 brand stores of “Macao Classic Brands,” “Macao Distinctive Shops,” or “Macao Ideas” with a total business area of at least 2,000 square meters may be granted a reward of RMB 200,000 for each brand store introduced, with a maximum annual cumulative reward of RMB 8 million per entity;
Entities that meet the conditions specified in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article shall be granted the rewards on a one-time basis. Where a Macao Distinctive Shop simultaneously meets the conditions specified in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article, the introduction reward for the same operating entity shall not be granted more than once. Entities that meet both the conditions specified in Article 10 and the operational support under this Article shall not receive duplicate rewards.
Article 12.
Support for the Settlement and Development of Commerce and Trade Enterprises Funded by Portuguese-speaking Countries’ Investors
Commerce and trade enterprises funded by investors from Portuguese-speaking countries are encouraged to commence operations and register as independent legal entities during the implementation period of these Measures. Newly included wholesale and retail above the specified quota, accommodation and catering above the specified quota, and service enterprises above the designated size that are included in the statistical reporting system of the Cooperation Zone may be granted a one-time reward of RMB 300,000 in the year of inclusion. If the operating revenue of these enterprises increases in the following year, an additional one-time reward of RMB 100,000 may be granted.
Enterprises funded by investors from Portuguese-speaking countries that have been included within the statistical reporting system for enterprises above designated size prior to the implementation of these Measures and that are with operating revenue increasing year-on-year are also eligible to apply for the rewards according to the above provisions.
Investors herein shall be citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries, or legal entities established and operating in Portuguese-speaking countries for at least two years, and hold a combined shareholding ratio of no less than 25%. Eligible shareholding methods include direct and indirect shareholding but exclusive of nominee shareholding. Investors that establish multiple enterprises within the Cooperation Zone may use their identity to qualify a maximum of two enterprises for subsidies and rewards under these Measures.
If the conditions of this Article and Articles 10 and 11 are simultaneously met, duplicate rewards shall not be granted.
Article 13.
Support for the Introduction of Sino-Portuguese Commerce and Trade Talents
Commercial and trade enterprises in the Cooperation Zone are encouraged to employ Sino-Portuguese commerce and trade talents. Enterprises that have signed labor contracts of two years or more with such talents, and paid social insurance contributions for at least six months may be granted a reward of RMB 20,000 per person employed during the implementation period of these Measures. If an enterprise employ additional eligible Sino-Portuguese talents in the subsequent year, supplementary rewards, based on the increased number, may be provided. The maximum reward for a single enterprise during the implementation period of these Measures shall not exceed RMB 300,000.
Sino-Portuguese commerce and trade talents shall meet one of the following requirements:
1. Citizens of a Portuguese-speaking country with professional experience and technical skills required for the high-quality development of Hengqin’s commerce and trade industry;
2. Returned overseas students with a bachelor’s or higher degree from a Portuguese-speaking country;
3. Macao residents who have achieved B1, B2, C1, or C2 levels in the CAPLE Portuguese language test.
Article 14.
Enhancement of Air Cargo Growth and International Competitiveness in the Cooperation Zone
International freight forwarding enterprises within the Cooperation Zone that engage air transport enterprises registered and taxed in Macao to transport import and export goods via Macao International Airport and the Hengqin Port may be granted freight subsidies as follows:
1. International freight forwarding enterprises that transport import and export goods via Macao International Airport may be granted a subsidy equal to 10% of their total annual freight expenses paid to air transport enterprises in Macao, up to a maximum of RMB 10 million per enterprise annually.
2. International freight forwarding enterprises that transport import and export goods via both Macao International Airport and the Hengqin Port may be granted a subsidy equal to 12% of their total annual freight expenses paid to air transport enterprises in Macao, up to a maximum of RMB 12 million per enterprise annually.
3. Key foreign trade enterprises in the Cooperation Zone with annual import and export cargo value of RMB 30 million or more that are transported through Macao International Airport may be granted a subsidy equal to 30% of comprehensive logistics costs, including origin handling fees, customs declaration fees, and terminal handling fees, with a maximum of RMB 2 million per enterprise annually.
Article 15.
Support for Cold Chain and Green Logistics Development
Newly constructed or renovated cold chain logistics projects with a cold storage construction area of 2,000 square meters or more that focus on livelihood supply, food, or pharmaceuticals may be granted a one-time reward equal to 20% of the project investment amount. The maximum reward per project shall be RMB 3 million for each newly constructed project. The maximum reward per project shall be RMB 1.5 million for each renovated project.
Each applicant may apply once per year during the implementation period of these Measures.
Commerce and trade logistics enterprises that are newly recognized as “green warehouses” by the China Warehousing and Distribution Association may be granted a reward of RMB 400,000.
Article 16.
Support for Strengthening Warehousing and Logistics Enterprises
Logistics enterprises within the Cooperation Zone that are rated as 3A, 4A, or 5A by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing may be granted rewards of RMB 100,000, RMB 300,000, and RMB 600,000, respectively.
Article 17.
Support for Cross-border E-commerce Import and Export through Bonded Warehouses
Cross-border e-commerce enterprises in the Cooperation Zone that rent bonded warehouse space exceeding 1,000 square meters and achieve over RMB 100 million in cross-border e-commerce import and export transaction value may be granted a reward equal to 50% of the rental expenses, with a maximum of RMB 1 million per enterprise per year.
Article 18.
Support for the Development of Commerce and Trade Industry Associations
Commerce and trade industry associations that are legally established within the Cooperation Zone and recognized by the authorities, and that organize industry activities registered with the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone to promote the development of the commerce and trade industry, may be granted a subsidy of RMB 20,000 per event organized, with a maximum annual subsidy of RMB 1 million per applicant.
Article 19.
Applicable Rules
Application for and receipt of benefits under these Measures shall not affect an applicant’s eligibility for other policy support and preferential treatment from the national or Guangdong provincial governments, except for those borne or matched by the Cooperation Zone’s finances.
In cases where these Measures overlap or conflict with other policies issued by the Cooperation Zone or with requirements from higher authorities that involve financial obligations or supporting funds from the Cooperation Zone, except as otherwise specified by other regulations, applicants may choose the most favorable option under the principle of “prioritizing the higher standard without duplication”.
Article 20.
Supervision of Funds
Applicants shall ensure the completeness, authenticity, accuracy, and legality of the application materials, and bear the relevant legal responsibility for the materials submitted. If an applicant provides false information or fraudulently obtains support funds, strict penalties shall be imposed according to relevant regulations. In cases of severe violations, legal liabilities shall be pursued.
Applicants subject to criminal penalties or administrative sanctions such as fines, confiscation of illegal gains, confiscation of illegal property, restrictions on production and business activities, orders to suspend production or business, or closure orders due to violations of laws and regulations, shall be ineligible to apply for relevant subsidies.
Enterprises falling within the statistical scope of the national online statistics reporting platform shall cooperate with the statistical department of the Cooperation Zone for statistical registration and reporting, among other duties.
Article 21.
Right of Interpretation
The Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone reserves the right to interpret these Measures.
Article 22.
Effective Date and Validity Period
These Measures come into effect on January 1, 2024, and remain valid until December 31, 2026. If the valid period expires while any portion of the relevant funds remains unpaid, payments shall continue until all due amounts are fully disbursed.