Macao’s merchants did not have a formal organization until 1911 when several visionary merchants initiated the formation of a business association. In 1913, the “Macao Chamber of Commerce” was established. By 1916, it was officially designated the “Macao Chinese General Chamber of Commerce”.
After more than 110 years of continuous and dedicated efforts and the expansion of its services by adapting to the times, the Chamber today enjoys an excellent reputation and upholds a strong image both in Macao, the Chinese mainland, and internationally. To strengthen its role as a bridge, and to promote multifaceted co-operation between Macao and the Chinese mainland, the Chamber established the “Guangdong Office of the Macao Chamber of Commerce” in Hengqin at the end of 2022, bringing new development opportunities for Macao enterprises to integrate into the Greater Bay Area.
Though Macao is small in size, it boasts unique advantages and abundant development opportunities. The Macao SAR government actively promotes the “1+4” appropriate diversification development strategy, focuses on developing the four major industries: the big health industry, the modern financial industry, the high technology industry, and the exhibitions and conventions, commerce and trade, and culture and sports industries. It also aims to optimise Macao’s industrial structure in conjunction with the Overall Development Plan for the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Co-operation Zone in Hengqin and various national policies benefiting Macao. These efforts have led to increasing mutual co-operation within regions and growing external exchanges. Macao’s role as a “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure” and as a “Commercial and Trade Co-operation Service Platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries” is becoming increasingly prominent. Since the introduction of the Belt and Road Initiative, Macao has played a key role in bridging nations, achieving fruitful results that serve the needs of the country and further integrating Macao into the overall national development strategy.
For Chinese businesspeople worldwide, the World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention is a grand event within the global Chinese business community. Seventeen conventions have been held to date. The Macao Chamber of Commerce has participated in each, introducing Macao’s latest economic developments and investment environment to Chinese businesspeople around the world. This has helped foster interactions and co-operation between Macao and Chinese entrepreneurs globally, supporting the construction of both “One Centre” and “One Platform”.
Looking ahead, the Chamber will continue to strengthen its role as a platform for other platforms, facilitating the “bringing in and going global” approach, thereby fostering closer ties between Macao, the Chinese mainland, and international businesses and creating broader business development opportunities together. Welcome Chinese entrepreneurs from around the world to Macao in November 2025 to join in the grand occasion of the 18th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention.