MECC celebrates third anniversary

The Macau European Chamber of Commerce (MECC) celebrated its third anniversary yesterday at The Ritz-Carlton Macau.

Pedro Cardoso, president of board of directors of MECC, remarked in his speech that the European Union (EU) has been Macau’s principal trading partner since the Agreement for Trade and Cooperation between the European Economic Community and the territory which was signed in 1993.

The president also stressed that the EU is the region’s second largest supplier after mainland China, accounting for 22 percent of imports last year.

According to Cardoso, the chamber has been active in organizing various networking activities, particularly for entrepreneurs in the EU, Macau and mainland China.

This year, MECC organized eight events and will soon be releasing a report on the group’s views about how the EU can help stimulate MSAR’s economic development.

“Next year we will also have a number of new events and continue to work with different associations, chambers and representatives of the government to further enhance economic cooperation between the EU and Macau,” highlighted Cardoso to the Times.

Meanwhile, Ambrose So, honorary chairman of MECC and Chairman of the board of directors of gaming operator SJM, said that despite global economic headwinds, China and Europe remain close in partnership, stressing that bilateral trade rose 3.1 percent over the first 11 months of the year.

So recalled that a cooperation agreement was signed with the government of Chongqing Jiangbei District in May to facilitate collaboration between European financial institutions and Chongqing enterprises.

So guaranteed that the chamber will continually reinforce its work in bridging the business communities in Macau and Europe, while also working with the local government to propose measures for the region’s development.