Starting from April 1, the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin has implemented a new regional tax policy aimed at promoting offshore trade, which exempts enterprises registered in the cooperation zone from stamp duty on contracts for offshore resale transactions, further enhancing the zone's appeal for businesses engaged in international trade.

New tax policy for offshore trade

The new policy, outlined in a notice on continuing the stamp duty preferential policy for offshore trade, specifies that enterprises registered in free trade zones, including Hengqin, will be exempt from stamp duty on contracts for offshore resale transactions.

Offshore resale refers to transactions where a resident enterprise purchases goods from a non-resident enterprise and resells them to another non-resident enterprise without the goods physically entering or leaving China's customs territory.

This policy will be in effect from April 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027, providing a clear timeline for businesses to plan their operations accordingly.

Positive impact on businesses

Local businesses have welcomed the new policy, which is expected to significantly reduce trade costs and enhance competitiveness in the international market.

A representative from Minmetals Corporation (Hengqin) International Trading Co., Ltd., which has been involved in offshore trade for many years, highlighted the policy's benefits. "This year, we expect our offshore trade to reach 300 million yuan. The implementation of this policy will lower our trade costs and boost our competitiveness. We plan to further expand our offshore trade scale and achieve sustained business growth," the representative said.

Enhanced business environment in Hengqin

Hengqin has been actively developing new industries such as cultural tourism, exhibitions, trade, and commerce, while expanding into emerging fields like cross-border e-commerce. Leveraging its unique geographical advantages, robust policy support, and excellent business environment, the cooperation zone has seen rapid growth in emerging industries, with offshore trade entering a golden period of development.

As 2025 marks the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the beginning of the cooperation zone's second phase of development, the zone is poised to capitalize on policies like the offshore trade stamp duty exemption to drive high-quality growth. These efforts align with the new positioning of "Macao + Hengqin" and support the moderate diversification of Macao's economy.