Homegrown products and its connection with Portuguese-speaking countries can help boost Macau e-commerce, according to the Sino-Portuguese E-commerce Chamber (SPECC).

Cross-border trade is crucial for the city’s economic diversification, says SPECC executive VP Johnny Ma, speaking on the sidelines of a conference jointly organised by the chamber and Macau Economic Services (DSE). The one-day event introduced information to suppliers and businessmen about cross-border logistics with Mainland China and the “One-Stop” e-commerce platform to be launched by the two parties next month.

Ma says cross-border trade between the Macau and the mainland is “in early stages” and “close to zero”, with the market facing two major obstacles: payment methods and logistics.

“The One-Stop service will not just be an online platform providing information on cross-border e-commerce, but will also help local suppliers set up their own website and e-commerce shops, as well as provide support for logistics and online promotion.”

He says the platform will also offer support in such matters as goods clearance through Customs and tax information for specific products.

Ma says Macau is at a disadvantage in terms of cross-border logistics compared to its neighbour Hong Kong.

“You can just see the difference in the amount and frequency of flight connections, while the quality and capacity of the goods warehouses in Hong Kong is also better.”

However, Macau has its own advantages such as distinct products, the language connection with Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) countries, the short distance from Zhuhai and the levels of government support.