Economy
Macau has long been a significant distribution outlet for Chinese
products and, in this respect, is quite similar to Hong
Kong. Agriculture is small, there are very few natural
resources and Macau is almost completely dependent on imported oil
to meet its energy needs. The territory has an active manufacturing
and export sector, the major products of which
are china, toys, textiles, ceramics,
optical products, rubber,
furniture and shoes and boots.
Macau is also known in the region for its broad gambling
facilities and the associated tourism has become a major
source of income. Together, tourism and gambling account for about
2-3rds of Macau’s GDP. The Trade between Macau
and the neighbouring Chinese Special Economic Zone of Zhuhai has grown quickly and contributed substantially
to Macau’s present trade surplus. However, key infrastructure
projects (particularly the new airport and the
Nam Van land reclamation project) have, in different
ways, fallen far short of expectations. China, Hong Kong
and the United States of America are the territory’s
major trading partners. The Sino-Portuguese agreement,
under which Macau reverted to Chinese rule in December of 1999,
guarantees the continuation of Macau’s economic status for
a minimum of fifty years. Macau’s currency, the Pataca,
has been retained indefinitely.
Business
Etiquette
Businesspeople dress smartly. Calling cards are necessary and appointments
should be made in advance and punctuality is much appreciated.
The World Trade Centre
16th Floor,
918 Edificio World Trade Centre
918 Avenida da Amizade
Telephone number:
727 666
Fax number: 727 633
e-mail:
wtcmc@macau.ctm.net offers
advice and assistance with various facilities for businesses, including
a VIP Club restaurant.
Office hours:
Monday-Thursday 0900-1300 hrs and 1430-1745 hrs, Friday 0900-1300
hrs and 1430-1800 hrs.
Commercial
Information
The following organisation can offer advice:
Associação
Comercial de Macau,
16th Floor,
Edificio ACM 5
Rua de Xangai 175
Telephone number: 576
833
fax number: 594 513. |
