Only cooperation can help narrow gap between EU, China in EV sector: Hungarian auto expert

The European Union's move to impose anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) is a hasty and irrational decision, according to the head of the Hungarian Association of Automotive Dealers, who instead called for the European side to engage in closer cooperation and negotiations with Chinese firms in order to boost the development of the new energy vehicle sector.

Earlier this month, representatives from EU member states voted to approve the final ruling on the case presented by the European Commission, the executive arm of the 27-nation EU, which proposed the imposition of anti-subsidy duties on EVs imported from China.

Among those voting, 10 EU members backed the new tariffs, five voted against, while 12 abstained. Hungary was among the countries opposing the tariff hikes.

In an interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN), Gablini Gabor, president of the Hungarian Association of Automotive Dealers, noted that the EU's move to impose anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese EVs will do nothing to solve the problem.

"I think it was a hurried approach, a quick approach, but not the best. Because imposing tariffs does not give a solution for the problem. We have some difficulties, we need to find some solutions, but imposing tariffs wouldn't help it," he said.

Stating that the imposition of anti-subsidy tariffs appears to be an "emotional" decision, Gabor believes the move will prove unsuccessful in coping with relevant economic problems in the long run.

"I think in [terms of] the economy, we need some rational answers from rational questions. So the imposing of tariffs is a more emotional answer than a rational [one]. For this reason, I don't believe that it will work, I don't believe that it will work [over a] long time. Maybe for a short time, maybe it would exist maximum till the end of the year," Gabor said.

While the two sides have yet to reach a mutually acceptable solution over the tariff dispute, a Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson said China has officially invited the EU to send a technical team to the country to continue the next phase of face-to-face consultations on the anti-subsidy case involving Chinese EVs.

Gabor said that given how advanced Chinese technology is in this sector, the EU should instead be looking to work closely with China in order to close the gap and speed up the development of its own industry, rather than taking the tariff measures.

"I think that in the electric vehicle technology, the Asians, the Chinese [are] ahead of Europe. So if we want to be closer, you want a smaller gap, or we want to develop and quickly develop, [then] the only solution could be [through] cooperation and negotiation," he said.

Only cooperation can help narrow gap between EU, China in EV sector: Hungarian auto expert

Only cooperation can help narrow gap between EU, China in EV sector: Hungarian auto 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