The European Chamber of Commerce in Macau (MECC) held its 12th Annual Gala and the symposium “Europe-Macao-Hengqin Economic, Trade and Tourism Development Symposium” at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, bringing together around 300 guests, including European consuls general in Hong Kong and Macau, officials from the Macau SAR Government, business leaders from the Greater Bay Area, and other dignitaries.
The symposium, held in the afternoon, focused on deepening cooperation between Europe, Macau, and Hengqin, at a time when Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai’s recent official visit to several European countries has heightened international interest in the region’s development opportunities.
Representatives from the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, and other organizations presented the latest policies and opportunities related to the business environment, technological innovation, talent recruitment, and the development of the Cooperation Zone.
During the meeting, European delegates exchanged views with representatives from Macau and Hengqin and offered suggestions for future areas of cooperation.
Read more: Macau honors business leaders, institutions, and creators at the 2026 Business Awards
This year’s gala was themed “Carpathian Echoes – Of Mountains, Myths and Melodies,” showcasing Romanian culture through musical and dance performances by musicians from Macao and students from the Zhuhai Arts School, as well as a dinner inspired by Eastern European cuisine.
IPIM Acting President Sam Lei highlighted the results of the official delegation led by Sam Hou Fai to Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and Belgium, which took place in April and included approximately 120 business representatives.
According to the official, the visit resulted in the signing of more than 100 cooperation agreements in the areas of trade, high technology, health, tourism, education, conventions and exhibitions, culture, and sports.
Sam Lei also stated that Macau is accelerating its “1+4” economic diversification strategy, with a focus on four major projects: the Technology Research and Development Park, the Macau-Hengqin Education City, the Integrated Tourism and Culture Zone, and the Air Transport Hub.
Read more: Macau: “The Greater Bay Area is advancing with clearly visible results”
The official added that Macau will establish a 1 billion yuan (126 million euros) development fund and a service center to strengthen the region’s role as a bridge between China and Portuguese-, Spanish-, and European-speaking markets.
For his part, Harvey Rouse, head of the European Union Office in Hong Kong and Macau, stated that the European Union is currently Macau’s second-largest trading partner in goods and the third-largest source of foreign direct investment.
According to the diplomat, European companies have contributed to sectors such as retail, banking, technology, infrastructure, and sustainability, supporting the Macau SAR’s economic diversification. “In an increasingly uncertain world, we need partners we can trust. The European Union is that partner,” he said.
MECC President Echo Chan, for her part, said that the Chief Executive’s recent visit had opened “a new chapter” in 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.” she said.
Founded in 2012, MECC has been promoting bilateral exchanges in the areas of trade, tourism, and culture between Macau and Europe, advocating for the region to play an active role in connecting European companies with Macau, Hengqin, and the Greater Bay Area.
