The latest decision by the European Union (EU) to impose protectionist duties on imports of battery electric vehicles (EVs) from China has raised concerns about the future of globalization, according to Stephen Perry, president emeritus of Britain's 48 Group Club.
On Friday, European Union countries voted to impose duties on imports of electric vehicles from China, as talks continued between the 27-nation bloc and China to find an amicable solution to their trade dispute before an end-of-October deadline.
In an interview with China Global Television (CGTN), Perry emphasized that the EU's decision, made at the behest of the United States, ignores the opinions of European companies.
"When the Europeans put on the tariffs, what does the Chinese say? Hold on for a second, we've given your car companies a fortune -- the access to the Chinese market. We didn't put tariffs on that, you put tariffs on us, we put tariffs on you. And all the car companies in Europe said, 'Don't put the tariffs on'. But these rather silly people in the EU bureaucracy, following the American advice, want to try to make life difficult for China," said Perry.
He stated that this approach threatens globalization, as the EU operates with national economies rather than global ones.
"And it's involved in a battle with China, which I don't think it will win. Globalization is under threat, protectionism is happening everywhere, but where is it happening? It's happening in Europe and North America. Why? Because they don't have global economies. They have national economies and their companies make things in their countries and they want to continue to make them in their countries because they want to employ their people," said Perry.
EU's protectionist tariffs on Chinese EVs spark concerns over globalization: expert
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
