COP29 participants praise China's cooperative approach to combating climate change

As world leaders gather in Baku, Azerbaijan for the UN Climate Change Conference COP29, China's efforts to develop green technologies and advance sustainable development agenda have garnered recognition, particularly from its neighboring countries.

The COP29, formally known as the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) kicked off in Azerbaijan's capital city on Monday. Over the next two weeks, negotiators will discuss strategies for reducing carbon emissions, achieving carbon neutrality, and advancing the transition to green technologies.

Since the opening day of the event, delegations have held discussion panels in their designated pavilions. Russia, with a delegation of over 40 representatives from various departments and organizations, highlighted its growing collaboration with China on climate action.

"For Russia, interaction with China is very important. We are neighbors that have common borders. And, of course, when we talk about ecology, about climate, we know that this agenda is not exclusive," said Natalia Dorpeko, Executive Director of UN Global Compact National Network in Russia.

"China is implementing a strategy for the sustainable development agenda of the Global Compact, and we interact with each other on this. We look at what China is doing. We are keen to exchange experiences. We see great progress in the climate and environmental agenda of our good neighbors, our business partners. And we know about the climate practices and projects that China is implementing," Dorpeko said.

Kazakhstan, another key partner of China in the region, also plays an active role in COP29. Yerlan Nysanbayev, Kazakhstan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, lauded China’s efforts in developing eco-friendly technologies.

"China is a very close neighbor of ours and thus one of our main partners. Over the past 15 to 20 years, China has been very actively implementing climate green projects. We are conducting active negotiations and it should be noted that today China has been implementing and transferring many advanced technologies in various industries including oil and gas, waste recycling, waste incineration and biogas production, as well as electricity. Therefore, we are working very closely with China in this direction," said Yerlan Nysanbayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In a sign of China's green tech prowess, COP29 is providing guests with Chinese-made electric buses and hybrid taxis for their commute. These environmentally friendly vehicles offer a significant reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional gasoline and diesel engines, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable transportation.

COP29 participants praise China's cooperative approach to combating climate change

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