IMF predicts Macau's economy will maintain solid growth

China News Service, Macau, September 30. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released the "2026 Macau Special Administrative Region Article IV Consultation Mission Staff Report" (hereinafter referred to as the "Report") on the 29th local time, predicting that Macau's economy will maintain solid growth.

The report points out that despite the impact of external adverse factors, Macau's economy remains resilient: Supported by the strong performance of the comprehensive tourism and leisure industry, the Macau SAR economy continues to grow, with the number of inbound tourists exceeding pre-epidemic levels; local inflation remains moderate, and the labor market is generally stable.

It is reported that an IMF expert delegation visited Macau from July 14 to 23 this year to conduct Article 4 consultations on the Macau SAR. Its preliminary summary statement was released on July 29. This report is a more comprehensive assessment and analysis of Macao’s macroeconomic and financial conditions based on consultations.

The IMF also put forward policy recommendations in the report, including suggesting that the SAR government can use appropriate fiscal policies to boost internal demand and actively respond to the challenges brought by the aging population; make full use of digital and artificial intelligence technologies to increase productivity and accelerate industrial transformation, while improving public administration efficiency and improving the business environment. In addition, the IMF also recommends further increasing infrastructure investment in combating climate change to improve Macao's climate resilience.

The next round of consultations between the IMF and the Macau SAR will be conducted in accordance with the established 24-month cycle. (over)