The Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, or CEPA, is a free trade deal signed between Macao and Mainland China. It offers favourable trading and investment conditions to Macao-based companies interested in exporting goods, or expanding business, into Mainland China.

Importantly, CEPA is non-nationality specific. As long as you satisfy the CEPA criteria your company can benefit. This has made Macao an attractive location for overseas companies interested in expanding into China in sectors that may otherswise have restrictions.

CEPA provisions cover three broad areas:

Trade in Goods
Almost all goods (1,510 product categories) which qualify as 'Made in Macao' can be exported duty-free to Mainland China. Non-Macao companies can benefit by outsourcing production or partnering with a manufacturer whose products satisfy the CEPA 'Rules of Origin'.

Trade in Services
CEPA covers a broad range of service sectors and reduces, or removes, geographical, financial and ownership restraints. This applies to a company of any nationality which satisfies the following criteria:
- Is incorporated in Macao
- Has a three to five year operating history (depending on the sector)
- Is liable to pay Macao tax
- Employs 50% of its staff locally

To fast-track your CEPA status, you may consider partnering with, or investing in, a company which is already CEPA qualified.

Trade & Investment Facilitation
Macao and the Mainland China governments have agreed on a series of measures to make business between the two economies easier and more efficient. Measures cover customs clearance, inspections and quality standardisation, e-business, transparency in legal issues and improving intellectual property protection.