MECC 12th Annual Gala Dinner and Symposium Successfully Held

MECC successfully held its 12th Annual Gala Dinner and the “Europe-Macao-Hengqin Economic, Trade and Tourism Development Symposium” on 15 May 2026 at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau. The event, a key annual occasion for the Chamber, aims to build a dialogue platform and promote the culture and cuisine of the featured country. Approximately 300 guests attended, including European Consuls General in Hong Kong and Macau, Macau SAR officials, GBA business leaders, and other distinguished figures. It was announced that evening that Ireland would be the theme country for the 2027 European Chamber of Commerce in Macao Gala. Mr. Jeffrey Ho Wai Ip, Chairman of the 2026 Organising Committee, presented a symbolic key to mark the handover, which was accepted by the Irish Consul-General in Hong Kong and the Irish Chamber of Commerce in Macao.

Symposium focus Europe-Macao-Hengqin Collaboration

The symposium was held in the afternoon, inviting European Consuls General and Trade Commissioners in Hong Kong and Macau. The Chief Executive ‘s recent successful visit to Europe has enhanced European countries’ understanding of Macau and Hengqin‘s development opportunities. MECC organised the symposium to further facilitate understanding of relevant policies.

Representatives from IPIM, DSEDT, CDQQ, Hengqin EDB, and the China-Portuguese/Spanish-Speaking Countries Service Centre delivered presentations on Macau’s business environment, technological innovation, talent schemes, and Hengqin‘s latest opportunities. European delegates exchanged views with Macau and Hengqin officials, offering suggestions for future cooperation.

Gala Celebrates Carpathian Theme and China-Europe Cultural Exchange

The Gala Dinner was themed “Carpathian Echoes – Of Mountains, Myths and Melodies”, spotlighting Romanian culture. The programme featured an immersive “Gateway of Legends” opening and a cultural performance by Macau musicians and Zhuhai College of Art students, presenting traditional Romanian music and dance. Guests also enjoyed an Eastern European-inspired dinner.

Chief Executive’s Visit Yields Substantial Results

Mr. Sam Lei of IPIM said that in April, Chief Executive Mr. Sam Hou Fai led delegations to Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and Belgium, adopting a “joint voyage” model with around 120 business representatives to explore Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets. Over 100 cooperation agreements were signed, covering trade, high technology, health, tourism, education, MICE, culture and sports, reinforcing Macau‘s role as a “precise connector” and opening new cooperation avenues.

Mr. Lei noted that this year marks the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan. Macau is advancing the “1+4” economic diversification strategy, accelerating four major projects: the Sci-Tech R&D Park, the Macau-Hengqin Education Town, the Integrated Tourism and Cultural Zone, and the Air Transport Hub. Leveraging the Hengqin Cooperation Zone, Macau is also establishing a RMB 1 billion development fund and a service centre to strengthen its role as a gateway connecting China with Portuguese-, Spanish- and European-speaking markets.

EU is Macau’s Second Largest Trading Partner

Ambassador Harvey Rouse, Head of the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao, stated that the EU is Macau‘s second largest trading partner in goods and third largest source of FDI. European companies contribute to retail, banking, technology, infrastructure and sustainability, and support Macau’s economic diversification. “In an increasingly uncertain world, we need partners we can rely on. The EU is such a partner,” he said. He reaffirmed the EU‘s commitment to Macau’s rule of law and open society and pledged continued cooperation with MECC and Macau authorities.

Rooted in Macau, Connecting Europe and the GBA

Ms. Echo Chan, President of MECC, said: “The Chief Executive’s successful visit has opened a new chapter for cooperation between Macau-Hengqin and Europe. The Gala aims to showcase Europe ‘s cultural diversity while highlighting Macau’s value as a China-Europe bridge. MECC will continue as a ‘precise connector’, helping European enterprises access the GBA via Macau and Hengqin, while assisting Macau and Mainland enterprises to expand into European, Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets.”

Since its founding in 2013, MECC has been committed to fostering two-way exchanges in trade, tourism and culture between Macau and Europe. The Chamber will continue to build dialogue platforms, support the SAR Government ‘s economic diversification, and help enterprises expand into international markets.

Officiating guests included: Mr. Sam Lei (IPIM), representatives of the Central Government Liaison Office and the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Harvey Rouse (EU), Mr. Mircea-Gabriel Ciulu (Consul General of Romania), Dr. Manuel Ricardo da Silva (Portugal), Mr. Kevin Ho (NPC Deputy & President of Macau Chamber of Commerce), Ms. Echo Chan (MECC President), Dr. Rui Cunha (SJM), Dr. Ambrose So Shu Fai (Honorary Chairman of MECC), and Mr. Jeffrey Ho (Chairman of the Gala Organising Committee).