World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention

Objective

To support the principle of “one country, two systems”, to be persistently devoted to the country and Macao, to unite different entities and individuals in the industrial and commercial sectors in Macao, to serve them and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests, to promote the commercial links with other countries and regions, and to strive for the social stability and economic prosperity of the Macao Special Administrative Region.

A Long History of Positive Influence

Founded in 1913 as the “Macao Chamber of Commerce” and officially designated the “Macao Chinese General Chamber of Commerce” in 1916, the Chamber celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2023. Over the years, with the concerted efforts of the Chamber’s leadership and members, and the support from various sectors of society, the Chamber has continuously developed, with its influence expanding significantly. The Macao Chamber of Commerce has always been committed to providing business services, protecting the legitimate rights of the business community, participating in politics and public affairs, and actively engaging in social welfare and services.

Organizational Structure

Since its establishment, the Macao Chamber of Commerce has constantly improved its system.

early

Led by a director

1935

a system of Chairmanship

1948

a system of Boards of Directors and Supervisors

1968

a Council system

1980

General Committee

1986

the system of a General Committee and Board of Supervisors

On 23 November 2021, the 81st General Assembly was held, during which the 71st President, committee members, members of the Board of Directors and the Board of Supervisors were elected. Mr Chui Sai Cheong was elected President, Mr Ma Chi Ngai as Chairman, and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macau) Limited as Board of Supervisors.

The Chamber comprises several departments, including the General Affairs Department, the Liaison Department, the Recreation Department, the Industrial & Commercial Affairs Department, the Finance Department, and the Public Relations Department, as well as the Strategic Research Committee, the Youth Committee, the Ladies’ Committee, and the Committee for Participating the Greater Bay Area Construction. To adapt to new developments, in December 2022, the Chamber established a Guangdong office in Hengqin to provide services for the business community to attract businesses and go global, so as to support the high-quality development of the Co-operation Zone. Additionally, the Chamber has three affiliated institutions: the Reading Room, the Seong Fan Evening School, and the Qingzhou Middle School, contributing to Macao’s cultural and educational sectors.

For over a century, the Macao Chamber of Commerce has actively participated in Macao’s social affairs. Members of the Chamber hold important positions in the Executive Council, the Legislative Assembly, and various advisory and working committees of the Macao SAR government.

Before Macao’s return to China, the Chamber acted as a bridge between the local Chinese community and the Macao-Portuguese authorities, playing a significant role in ensuring Macao’s smooth transition and its peaceful return to the motherland.

After Macao’s return, with the strong support of the Central Government, the Macao SAR government has governed lawfully, leading Macao’s citizens to overcome various challenges and make steady progress in developing the Special Administrative Region. The Chamber, as a representative of Macao’s business community, has fully embraced new circumstances, capitalising on its extensive external networks to promote Macao’s economic diversification and drive regional co-operation.

In recognition of the Chamber’s contributions to social welfare, charity, and education, as well as its role in Macao’s economic development and social stability, the Macao SAR government awarded the Chamber the “Medal of Merit – Industry and Commerce” in 2002 and the “Decoration of Honour – Golden Lotus” in 2012.

Through the series of events celebrating the Chamber’s 110th anniversary in 2023, the Chamber has siezed the opportunity to assess the post-pandemic economic development. With a strong sense of responsibility and urgency, it has been striving forward to accelerate economic recovery. The efforts included supporting the Macao SAR government’s economic revitalisation initiatives, organising various activities to boost domestic consumption and promote local economic development, and hosting over 200 overseas and local business delegations at the Chember’s anniversary banquet to strengthen ties with chambers of commerce at home and abroad. A “Belt and Road” forum was also organised to reinforce Macao’s role as a platform and contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative. Additionally, the Chamber conducted research into the economic development of the northern district and has held consumer carnivals, playing its part in the post-pandemic recovery of Macao’s social and economic sectors.

In 2024, the Chamber will continue to fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, supporting the Macao SAR government in lawful governance, leading the business community, consolidating the business community’s strength and working closely with the government to optimise the business environment and promote local economic development. It will tackle the challenges posed by imbalances in recovery and development affecting the business sector. The Chamber will remain committed to participating in the construction of the Greater Bay Area and the Co-operation Zone, maximising the role of the Guangdong office. The Chamber will also fully support the Chief Executive election, adhering to the “patriots governing Macao” principle, promoting the “1+4” appropriate diversification development strategy, and actively integrating into the national high-quality development agenda.

The success in securing the 18th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention in 2025 is a major milestone for both the Chamber and Macao. The Chamber will work diligently to make this global conference a success, promote Macao’s story, and accelerate appropriate economic diversification, ensuring the continued success of the practices of the “one country, two systems” and contributing to the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland.