Secretary for Economy and Finance Anton Tai Kin Ip said yesterday that the government is considering making improvements to any future consumer reward schemes, such as simplifying the process for elderly residents to use digital coupons, provided that the “Citywide Consumer Rewards” promotional activity will be relaunched.
Tai made the remarks during a Legislative Assembly plenary session in response to an oral enquiry by lawmaker Ip Sio Kai, who asked whether the government would continue its consumer rewards initiatives.
Tai added that, for instance, the government was considering that seniors could use their Macau Pass cards to top up and spend rewards, eliminating the need for additional tools or cards.
Organised by the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) in collaboration with local business associations, the government’s previous “Citywide Consumer Rewards” promotional activity, launched on September 30 last year, ran for 13 weeks and ended on December 29, aimed at boosting spending across Macau’s different neighbourhoods by offering e-coupons, merchant discounts, and lucky draws.
Tai pointed out that the campaign successfully drove significant economic activity, with e-coupons alone generating a total spending of about 227 million patacas and stimulating over 1.1 billion patacas in citywide consumption.
Tai emphasised that the government remains committed to supporting local small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and community economic development through various measures, such as financial aid programmes, youth entrepreneurship initiatives, and digital transformation support services.
Tai also highlighted the success of last year’s weekend consumer rewards events in the northern district and the citywide campaign, which helped attract customers to local businesses.
Building on these experiences, the government is exploring ways to enhance any future promotions, including refining coupon redemption methods and ensuring greater accessibility for all residents, particularly the elderly.
While Lei did not confirm the launch of a new campaign, he assured that the government would announce more comprehensive details on its short-term measures to boost community consumption in different neighbourhoods soon, aiming to further invigorate Macau’s community economy and provide sustained support to SMEs amid evolving consumption patterns.
Secretary for Economy and Finance Anton Tai Kin Ip addresses yesterday’s plenary session in the Legislative Assembly’s (AL) hemicycle. – Photo courtesy of TDM
