Representatives of businesses participating in the “Scheme for Supporting the Development of Macao First-Store Economy” say that the initiative has encouraged investment in the city, with financial support and policy incentives helping new brands establish themselves in the local market.
Speaking to the media during the 2026 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair (GMBPF) at The Venetian Macao Cotai Expo Hall A’s Business Matching Area yesterday, representatives from newly established brands and the Macau Chain Stores & Franchise Association (MCSFA) said that the scheme has strengthened confidence in Macau’s retail and consumer sector.
Raymond Choi (崔文正), business manager of ZHANGLIANG MALATANG (Macao), said his company’s decision to open its first Macau outlet aligned with both its growth strategy and the government’s efforts to attract quality brands. He described Macau as a competitive, internationally connected city with a diverse food culture and a steady flow of tourists and local consumers.
“Macau is a very unique city with rich cultural diversity, especially in food and beverages”, Choi said, adding that the company hopes to integrate its Harbin-based hotpot brand into the local market while gradually adapting to local consumer preferences.
The restaurant opened its first Macau outlet in Taipa in June. Choi noted that while the company is still learning about local spending habits, it is actively improving its services and supply chain. “The support scheme gives us confidence to continue developing in Macau step by step”, he said.
Oscar Wu (胡澤樺), operating director of July E-Sports, said that Macau’s growing youth market and tourism sector convinced his company to invest in the city, noting that esports has considerable growth potential locally. Wu added that while the Chinese mainland already boasts a mature esports ecosystem, Macau is still developing its related industries.
Wu underlined that financial assistance under the first-store scheme helped offset the high cost of purchasing professional gaming equipment. “The funding has mainly helped us invest in high-end computer equipment so we can provide players with a premium esports experience,” he said.
Meanwhile, Macau Chain Stores & Franchise Association Deputy Secretary-General Karyo Leung (梁廟婷), said her group welcomed the government’s initiative, describing it as consistent with its long-term efforts to attract quality brands to the city.
Leung noted that the association has promoted franchise development since its establishment in 2009 through exhibitions, forums, awards, and business matching activities. Since 2018, it has presented franchise awards during the Macao International Franchise Expo (MFE), helping introduce several well-known mainland brands to Macau. She added that the association has also expanded its efforts to attract overseas brands while organising business matching events for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs.
According to Leung, more than 100 local SMEs and young entrepreneurs have participated in two business matching sessions held since last November, with another planned in the near future.
She clarified that while the first-store scheme does not directly subsidise local SMEs, it allows them to benefit by partnering with overseas brands entering Macau. Rather than setting up standalone operations, foreign companies can work with Macau businesses already familiar with the city’s legal, taxation, labour, and commercial environments –reducing operating costs while creating opportunities for local enterprises.
Leung also noted that the scheme encourages brands to establish outlets in older neighbourhoods and community districts rather than concentrating solely on tourist areas. Attracting established brands into local communities could create a clustering effect that drives footfall and revitalises neighbourhood economies, Leung said. She added that cooperation with experienced international brands will also allow local businesses to adopt more advanced management, supply chain, and branding practices, raising overall professionalism and competitiveness across the local retail sector.
Raymond Choi (崔文正), business manager of ZHANGLIANG MALATANG (Macao) (up), and Macau Chain Stores & Franchise Association Deputy Secretary-General Karyo Leung (梁廟婷) speak to the media during an interview session on the sidelines of the “Scheme for Supporting the Development of Macao First-Store Economy” seminar at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo Hall A yesterday. – Photos: Khalel Vallo
