The non-unanimous vote by Union (EU) member states on protectionist tariffs on Chinese battery electric vehicles (BEVs) was "highly unusual" and reflects a division in the continent, said an Italian lawmaking expert.
The European Commission announced Friday that it passed a vote to impose additional tariffs on Chinese BEVs. Only 10 member states backed the tariffs, while 12 abstained and five voted against.
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"Unusual" EU vote on vehicle tariffs reveals division in EU politics: Italian expert
"Unusual" EU vote on vehicle tariffs reveals division in EU politics: Italian expert
"Unusual" EU vote on vehicle tariffs reveals division in EU politics: Italian expert
"Unusual" EU vote on vehicle tariffs reveals division in EU politics: Italian expert
"Unusual" EU vote on vehicle tariffs reveals division in EU politics: Italian expert
In an interview with China Radio International (CRI) shortly after the EU vote, Daniel Gros, the director of Institute for European Policymaking of Bocconi University in Italy, emphasized that the vote represented a sharp departure from the norm.
"The vote in the council of ministers was highly unusual, in the sense that it is rare that you have these open confrontations with people voting against. Usually they try to come to a unanimous decision. And even more unusual, this time you had more countries abstaining than countries voting for the measure. So this shows that in Europe, there's a wide range of opinions on these tariffs," said Gros.
The EU launched a probe into Chinese electric vehicles in October 2023. In July, the commission imposed provisional additional tariffs of up to 37.6 percent on Chinese electric vehicle makers.
"Unusual" EU vote on vehicle tariffs reveals division in EU politics: Italian expert
"Unusual" EU vote on vehicle tariffs reveals division in EU politics: Italian expert
"Unusual" EU vote on vehicle tariffs reveals division in EU politics: Italian expert
"Unusual" EU vote on vehicle tariffs reveals division in EU politics: Italian expert
"Unusual" EU vote on vehicle tariffs reveals division in EU politics: Italian 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
