The European Union's decision to impose anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) has met with considerable opposition from both its member states and industry leaders.
The European Commission -- the executive arm of the 27-nation EU -- approved to impose tariffs of up to 45 percent on Chinese electric vehicles after a pivotal vote on Friday, even after the bloc's largest economy and major car producer Germany rejected them.
In the vote, 10 EU members backed tariffs and five voted against, with 12 abstentions, according to a Reuters report. Nonetheless, the EU said it has received necessary support from its members.
Tanja Gonner, managing director of the Federation of German Industries (BDI), emphasized in a statement on Friday that the EU's decision to impose anti-subsidy duties on Chinese electric vehicles must under no circumstances mean the end of talks with China.
The German industry is calling on both sides to continue negotiations and prevent an escalating trade conflict, Gonner said.
She reiterated that both economic powerhouses should focus on risk management in their cooperation to avoid potential geopolitical and economic risks.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed strong opposition to the tariffs in an interview on Friday, calling it an approach that seems to be sealing its own competitiveness, growth and development potential.
The EU could slip into an "economic cold war" with China, Orban warned in the interview.
Orban emphasized that the tariffs would significantly impact Hungary's economy, adding that Hungary wishes to maintain an economically neutral stance.
The European Commission, however, added it would continue negotiations with China in parallel to explore an alternative solution.
China's Ministry of Commerce said on Friday that China believes the bloc is promoting unfair competition.
EU decision on Chinese EV tariffs ignites backlash from its members and industry leaders
EU decision on Chinese EV tariffs ignites backlash from its members and industry leaders
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
