(Macau, 5 June 2015) The Macau European Chamber of Commerce (“MECC” or the “Chamber”) today held its 2015 Gala Dinner at the Grand Lisboa, Macau with the theme of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to celebrate the best of Europe in Macau, and pay tribute to the positive momentum in trade and cultural ties between Europe and the Macau Special Administrative Regions (“MSAR”).
Government and industry leaders together with consular representatives, MECC members and guests gathered for this signature event in order to show support for Europe-Macau cooperation and the work of MECC. The evening featured fine European dining and themed entertainment, coupled with a celebration of European trade and cultural links with Macau. The stand-out feature of the evening was the introduction and launch of the MECC Awards for Euroexcellence in Luxury, Food and Beverage, and Innovation. With many signs of approbation from those gathered at the event, the winners were announced as 1) MECC Award for Euroexcellence in Luxury: Macau Legend Development Limited in recognition of the Harbourview Hotel; 2) MECC Award for Euroexcellence in Food and Beverage: Vang Kei Hong Trading Company Limited for the wide variety of European produce introduced to the Macau market; and 3) CESL Asia, Investments & Services Limited for the development of innovative European environment management systems for the Macau market. (For more information about the awardees, please see the attached appendix.)
With the MECC Awards for Euroexcellence, the MECC seeks to encourage local organisations both to embrace Macau’s long history of Sino-Western commercial and cultural exchange, and to develop new partnerships for the future.
Dr. Ambrose So, Honorary Chairman of MECC and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A., said, “The Chamber has made great progress to further its mission in the past year, including a cooperation agreement signed with the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong to promote trade relations between Europe and the Pearl River Delta region. A ministerial level lunch with Mr. Anselmo Teng, Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Macau, and a delegation to Hengqin were also organised. Greater Europe-Macau cooperation is without doubt also being backed by SJM as seen in our Lisboa Palace integrated resort, opening on Cotai in 2017. It embodies Sino-Western cultural exchange in Macau, while re-inventing such partnership by collaborating with Versace and Karl Lagerfeld.”
Mr. Vincent Piket, Head of Office of the European Union (“EU”) to Hong Kong and Macao, said, “The EU and Macau are very good partners, we feel close to each other, through the bonds of history, culture, trade and investment and people. Our bilateral trade relations are strong, but the EU and Macau are looking beyond trade. We are looking towards building a strong and diverse economic partnership for the long term. The EU is keen to work with Macau in its efforts to diversify the economy, to enhance the sustainability of economic development and to modernise and develop the legal framework of for trade and investment. To do that, we will work closely with Macau SAR Government and business organisations to set up the Macau-EU Business Platform. It will pursue a very pragmatic, results-oriented agenda for shaping and deepening our economic relations in the broadest sense.”
Mr. Vitor Sereno, Honorary Chairman of MECC and Consul General of Portugal to Macao and Hong Kong said, “Macau is aiming to diversify its economy structure. In this regard, European companies and institutions can cooperate as this constitutes a unique opportunity to create and develop new partnerships, new business and new ventures to start a new virtuous cycle of growth for both sides. Macau also serves as a platform to access the Chinese market with wider field of opportunities. I strongly advise all companies and business people to join MECC with all our European friends and help each other in strengthening the ties between Macau and Europe, bringing more EU companies to Macau, and capturing more companies and investors from Macuo as well as mainland China to the EU.”
The festive night began with a bagpiper leading guests to their dinner with magical and dream-themed dances and singing performances, with a generously sponsored lucky draw and with the excitement of the MECC Awards. Honourable guests were in attendance from the Liaison Office and the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Central People’s Government in the MSAR; representatives of the MSAR Government; Consuls General of the European countries in Hong Kong and Macau; and prominent members of local business communities showing their support to MECC.