China stresses open cooperation amid EV dispute with EU

China has stressed open cooperation amid the trade dispute on electric vehicle (EV) exports from China to the European Union (EU).

The EV trade dispute continues to draw widespread attention, with just over a month to go before the EU reaches a decision regarding the definitive duties it plans to impose on Chinese EVs.

Over the past few days, Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao has been in Europe for discussions on the EU's anti-subsidy probe into Chinese EVs. This was on top of the more than 10 rounds of consultations already conducted between the Chinese and European working teams regarding the matter over the past few months.

On Wednesday, Wang chaired in Brussels the China-EU Electric Vehicle Industrial Chain Enterprises Roundtable, which was attended by leaders from nearly 30 Chinese and European companies as well as related industry association. Representatives at the meeting exchanged views on finding a proper solution to the EU's anti-subsidy case and continuing to deepen China-EU EV industrial chain cooperation.

Noting the high interdependence of the Chinese and EU automobile industries as a result of 40 years of fruitful industrial cooperation, Wang said the Chinese and European automobile industries "are at a critical crossroads" and that "open cooperation is the best option."

In the face of the EU's anti-subsidy investigation into China's electric vehicles, China will continue its efforts to negotiate and resolve the issue until the last minute, he said.

A German delegation explored intelligent manufacturing cooperation in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from September 4 to 7, seeking market expansion and joint ventures, and signing agreements on key projects.

During the visit, German enterprises expressed dissatisfaction with the EU's plan to impose tariffs on imported Chinese EVs.

"I don't think this is a good way because it must be a free market. Free markets in the world are the most successful, and so this is not the way I would like to do it. If you have a good product, in whichever country, then you can sell it, you can buy it and you will get feedback. And if the quality is good and then it will work, it will go on. And so you need not like tariffs or something like that. An open free market is the best," said Rudiger Schmidt, CEO of Oskar Kammer Schule.

"The EU and the German government made some mistakes now with China. And to be honest, I don't know why they will make energy tariffs on China. It's a wrong way. I think that we will save jobs in troubled industries not with these things. We need other concepts here. It's better securing jobs, locations and industries than protectionism or super taxes for Chinese products," said Uwe Kurt Fritsch, managing director of Uwe Fritsch Beratung and Strategie GmbH.

China stresses open cooperation amid EV dispute with EU

China stresses open cooperation amid EV dispute with EU

Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.

Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.

More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.

Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.

"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.

During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.

"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.

In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.

With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.

"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.

Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition