Event

14 December, 2016

Macau European Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 3rd Anniversary With Persistence in Bridging Macau-EU Communities (Macau, 14 December 2016) The Macau European Chamber of Commerce (“MECC” or the “Chamber”) celebrated the third anniversary of its establishment today at The Ritz-Carlton Macau with honourable guests and distinguished friends.

Throughout the year, MECC has organised many activities which established a convenient platform for bilateral exchanges between Macau and the European Union (the “EU”), such as high-level visits to the Liaison Office and the Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Central Government in Macau and Macao Economic Services of the MSAR Government, as well as networking events, including a lunch with the new Head of the EU Office to Hong Kong and Macao. Additionally, trade relationships between Macau, China and Europe were further strengthened through a cooperation agreement signed with the government of Jiangbei, Chongqing to enhance the collaboration between European financial institutions and enterprises in Chongqing.

Furthermore, the Chamber held its second MECC Awards for Euroexcellence in May at its annual Gala Dinner to recognise the contributions of local business entities that show a high level of service quality and European standards in Luxury, Food and Beverage and Innovation. In particular, the award for Innovation matches the priorities set by the EU Office to Hong Kong and Macao for promoting European culture and diversity in the field of research and innovation.

Dr. Ambrose So, Honorary Chairman of MECC and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A., said, “Despite global economic headwinds, China and Europe remain close in partnership; bilateral trade rose 3.1% for the first 11 months of the year. During the year, MECC has strengthened its efforts to engage the two regions economically and socially, supporting Macau in becoming a centre for world tourism and leisure, and a platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Thus, MECC will reinforce its work to bridge business communities in Macau and Europe, while closely communicating with the MSAR government and statutory bodies to propose favourable measures for stimulating Macau’s development and economic diversification.”

Mr. Vitor Sereno, Honorary Chairman of MECC and Consul General of Portugal to Macao and Hong Kong gave a distinguished speech.

Mr. Pedro Cardoso, President of Board of Directors of MECC, emphasised in his closing remarks that the EU has been Macau's principal trading partner since the Agreement for Trade and Cooperation between the European Economic Community and Macao signed in 1993. He stated that the EU is Macau’s second largest supplier after Mainland China, accounting for 22% imports last year. Many European companies also use Macau connections and investment to showcase high-end European technology and innovation; therefore, MECC will spare no efforts to strengthen the bilateral ties. With an objective to promote friendly commercial relations between Europe and Macau while simultaneously diversifying the local economy, MECC will continue to excel in its role as the bridge and medium for China-Europe relations. Ties between Macau and Europe will be further strengthened by setting up collaborative initiatives with local business entities, government organisations, and the EU Office in Hong Kong and Macao.