Canada Day celebration highlights culture and commerce

The Canadian community in Macau gathered on Saturday for an early celebration of Canada Day, showcasing Canadian culture, values, and business opportunities. Hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Macau (CanCham Macau), the event featured Canadian food, beverages, music, and performances under the theme “True North Splendor: Celebrating Canada Day Together in Strength.”

Howard Stribell, president of CanCham Macau, highlighted the event’s focus on friendship, inclusiveness, and collaboration. Speaking to local broadcaster TDM, he said, “We have our unique individual identity, but we also have an acceptance of diversity, and it’s our diversity that makes us strong.”

Lorne Schmidt, head of the International School of Macau (TIS), described the event as an opportunity to immerse attendees in Canadian culture through food, drinks, and entertainment.

He also addressed challenges faced by Canadian companies entering the Macau market. “A lot of Canadian companies don’t really know how to get into Macau or how to get into the Macau market,” Schmidt said. “They may have services and products that would be beneficial to industry here in Macau.” Efforts such as business incubators and trade fairs are underway to bridge these gaps and foster stronger commercial ties.

Canada’s Consul General to Hong Kong and Macau, Charles Edwin Reeves, also attended the event for the first time since assuming office last July.

Canada Day, celebrated annually on July 1, marks the country’s 158th anniversary this year. The Macau event served as a vibrant platform to promote Canadian values of diversity and inclusivity within the Canadian community and in Macau.