The \u201c2020 Mainland-Macao Business Associations Joint Conference cum Forum on Exchanges and Co-operation between Mainland and Macao Enterprises\u201d was held online today (3 August), with \u201cDeepening Co-operation, Rising to Challenges, and Fostering Innovative Development\u201d as the theme of the Joint Conference. Representatives from trade and investment promotion organisations and business associations participated in the event to explore how to support the industrial and commercial sectors in Mainland China and Macao to effectively cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to exchange their views on topics such as the participation in the development of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative. In addition, a number of experts, scholars and enterprises\u2019 representatives from both regions attended the Forum, which attracted more than 180 online viewers from various sectors.<\/p>\n
In her speech at the at the Joint Conference, President of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Gao Yan said that the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide had triggered an even stronger headwind for the economic globalisation and has brought unprecedented impact on the international industrial chain and supply chain, which are the challenges that all sectors should get themselves prepared for. She added that China\u2019s economy is steadily growing and a series of preferential policies for Macao have been implemented, which are expected to enhance the co-operation between Macao and Mainland China, and better achieve synergistic development by giving full play to the respective advantages of these adjoining regions. She also expressed her hope that the planning for mid to long-term collaboration can be formulated soon and the mechanism for regular meetings, information exchange and mutual visits can be optimised in the meantime. Jointly planning key tasks and reinforcing the mechanism of Joint Conference will also allow the Mainland-Macao Business Associations Joint Conference to sustain and fulfil its mission.<\/p>\n
The Secretary for Economy and Finance of Macao SAR Lei Wai Nong said in his speech that since its inception in 2004, the \u201cMainland-Macao Business Associations Joint Conference\u201d has been committed to serving as a bridge for two-way communication between Macao and Mainland China and has become a vital mechanism and exchange platform for the business sectors of the two places, through which the two sides are expected to deepen their co-operation. In view of the coronavirus outbreak this year, the economic recovery has become a major mission for the city and it entails the concerted efforts of all sectors of society. Lei Wai Nong hoped that the business associations in Macao could continue to exert their influence and work with the SAR Government to make all the necessary arrangements to revitalise the city\u2019s economy, and at the same time, promote Macao\u2019s role in the \u201cdual circulation\u201d development pattern in which domestic economic cycle plays a pivoting role while international economic cycle remains its extension and supplement through strengthening co-operation with Mainland China\u2019s provinces and municipalities.<\/p>\n
The President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) Lau Wai Meng said that the online works play an important role in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. The epidemic has brought greater impact to businesses that adopt traditional offline operation model. In order to help enterprises understand the latest developments of the market, IPIM has held a number of online workshops and seminars, covering various commercials topics to enable convenient participation of mainland and Macao enterprises and better join the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative while preventing the spread of pandemic at the same time. Looking ahead, IPIM will further strengthen its co-operation with the CCPIT and major business associations and continue to optimise and refine its services to the business community of the two places.<\/p>\n
Leaders and representatives of trade and investment promotion agencies and business associations of the two places also spoke spiritedly at the Joint Conference, agreeing that the implementation and promotion of the construction plan of the Greater Bay Area will continue to provide momentum for the national development, support the deepening of national reforms, and bring more opportunities to Macao.<\/p>\n
Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Macao Chamber of Commerce Vong Kok Seng said that Macao and the mainland must strive for closer co-operation and give full play to the advantages of Macao\u2019s role as a platform, while adapting to the normalisation of anti-epidemic practice. He continued that Macao should also actively partake in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative and attract investments. The city also needs to the industry should remain competitive by combining online and offline services.<\/p>\n
According to the Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Industrial Association of Macau Lei Si Tai, the global economy slump caused by COVID-19 also has affected Macao\u2019s exportation. The association plans to collaborate with the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center (CPTTM) in terms of Macao Product Quality certification (M-Mark), \u201cMinM\u201d trademark for made-in-Macao products, further helping small and medium-sized enterprises improve product quality and competitiveness, and eventually become more capable to take part in the growth of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the international market.<\/p>\n
Other attendees of the Joint Conference included Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Macao Chamber of Macao Ho Pui Fan, President of the Board of Directors of the Industrial Association of Macau Fong Son Kin, President of the Macau Importers & Exporters Association and Macau Shipper\u2019s Association Tsui Wai Kwan, President of the Board of Directors of the Macau Importers & Exporters Association Sio Chi Wai and Vice President of the Board of Directors Wong I Mun, President of the Board of Directors of the Macao Textile Merchants Association Wong Sai Man and President of the Board of Supervisors Pang Chong Leong, President of the Board of Directors of the Macau Shipper\u2019s Association Liu Iuk Lun and Executive Vice President Tang Quan Fong, IPIM\u2019s Executive Directors Sam Lei, Vong Vai Lon and Vincent U, Chief Representative of the Representative Office in Macao of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Cui Wenlong .<\/p>\n
The Forum on Exchanges and Co-operation between Mainland and Macao Enterprises was held online on the same day\u2019s afternoon. Experts, scholars and company representatives including Lao Chi Ngai \u2013 member of Legislative Assembly of Macao, President of the Macau Economic Association cum Director of the Strategy and Planning Office at the University of Macau \u2013 and member of Legislative Assembly of Macao cum Vice President of the Macau University of Science and Technology Pang Chuan, as well as representatives of renowned mainland enterprises were invited to share their opinions and suggestions on various issues such as the restructuring of global industrial chains and the smart economy as a driver for innovation and development of enterprises.<\/p>\n
2020 Mainland-Macao Business Associations Joint Conference cum Forum on Exchanges and Co-operation between Mainland and Macao Enterprises is held today (3 Sept)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
President of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Gao Yan delivers a speech at the conference<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n