Macau Business Hosts 1st GBA – Europe Roundtable: Unlocking Opportunities for European SMEs in the Greater Bay Area

December 2024 – Macau  

Macau Business recently convened the "1st GBA – Europe Roundtable," a pivotal event exploring strategic opportunities for European small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA). Peter Helis, delivering a keynote address, joined a distinguished panel to spotlight Macau’s role as a gateway for European businesses eyeing expansion into this dynamic region. Hosted with the support of the Cunha Foundation, the roundtable fostered a robust dialogue on enhancing Europe-GBA business ties.

The panel featured notable experts, including Bernard Dewit, Chairman of the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce; Rui Pedro Cunha, President of the Macau European Chamber of Commerce; Joshua Xiang, Managing Director of the Macao Institute of Industrial Technology; and Professors Zhang Fan and Veronica Fong from the Macau University of Science and Technology. Together, they tackled key challenges and opportunities for SMEs in the GBA.

Key Insights from the Discussion

Peter Helis highlighted the hesitancy among European SMEs to engage with China’s market, stressing the need to shift narratives to build confidence and encourage participation. Bernard Dewit proposed fostering direct business connections through visits and internships, emphasizing cultural commerce as a bridge. Rui Pedro Cunha showcased Macau as a strategic entry point into the GBA, blending historical ties with modern advantages.

Joshua Xiang envisioned Macau as an emerging hub for technology and innovation, urging SMEs to leverage its potential. Professors Zhang Fan and Veronica Fong underscored the value of cultural and academic ties, noting their critical role in fostering successful business integration.

A Collaborative Milestone

The event, held at a venue provided by the Cunha Foundation, was expertly facilitated by hosts José Carlos Matias and José Sales Marques, the former mayor of Macau. Their efforts ensured a productive exchange, laying the groundwork for future Europe-GBA collaborations.

As the GBA solidifies its status as a global economic powerhouse, the roundtable’s insights—spearheaded by Peter Helis and supported by an exceptional panel—offer a compelling roadmap for European SMEs ready to unlock its vast potential. Special thanks go to all participants and organizers for driving this critical conversation forward.