The Macao Chamber of Commerce will host the 18th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) from 2 to 4 November in Macao. With the theme “Working Together to Build a Community of Shared Future for Chinese Entrepreneurs”, the event is expected to draw around 4,000 Chinese business leaders and entrepreneurs worldwide. The Chamber shared more details of the event in its press conference held at its headquarters at 11:00 a.m. today (17 October). Those attending the press conference included President Chui Sai Cheong; President of the Board of Directors Ma Chi Ngai Frederico, and Vice Presidents of the Board of Directors Chui Yuk Lum Antonio, U Kin Cho, Zhang Pei Ran, Ho Pui Fan, Choi Tat Meng, Sio Chi Wai, Mok Chi Wai, Ip Sio Kai, Chan Chak Mo, Lam In Nie, Ho Kevin King Lun, Ma Joao, Hoi Lok Man, and Ngan Iek Chan.
At the conference, President Chui noted that since its inception in 1991, the WCEC has grown into one of the largest and most influential global gatherings for Chinese entrepreneurs. It holds a prestigious status among major conferences and forums within Chinese communities worldwide. The 18th edition to be held by the Chamber marks the WCEC’s debut in Macao, where it is considered one of the largest high-level gatherings since the pandemic. As such, it is set to provide significant impetus to Macao’s economic development in this new phase.
He highlighted the four key objectives that the WCEC aims to achieve: First, to articulate the success story of “One Country, Two Systems”. Leveraging the institutional strengths of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, Macao has been accelerating its development as “One Centre, One Platform, and One Base” since its return to the motherland 26 years ago. Through this grand event, the city aims to present the latest developments in Macao and China to global Chinese entrepreneurs, offering them firsthand experience of the enduring vitality and unique strengths of this policy. Macao boasts an array of distinguished accolades, including the designation of its Historic Centre as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, its title as the Best Convention City (Asia), its designation as a Culture City of East Asia, and the distinction of hosting the largest number of Forbes five-star hotels globally. Through this convention, Macao will have the opportunity to demonstrate its 400-plus years of history influenced by Chinese and Western cultures, along with the developmental achievements in the nearly 26 years since reunification. More importantly, it seeks to draw the attention of the Chinese business community at home and abroad to its diverse non-gaming offerings and rich cultural fabric, so that it can tell a riveting story of Macao and China and further enhance the city’s image as a global metropolis.
Second, to harness Macao’s advantages and platform functions. As the sole central city in the western part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Macao may be the smallest in terms of land area, population, and GDP when compared to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Nonetheless, it benefits from the institutional advantages of “One Country, Two Systems” as does Hong Kong, complemented by its new strategic positioning under “Macao + Hengqin” integration and unique ties to Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs). These advantages and platform functions should be fully utilised to strengthen internal connectivity and external outreach, deepen international exchanges and co-operation, and better serve national needs through Macao’s strengths. In this manner, Macao can play a more effective role in the country’s high-level opening-up. For instance, this year’s WCEC includes business tours to the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin (the Cooperation Zone), which will demonstrate how Macao aligns its efforts with national strategies for the GBA and the Cooperation Zone, while also unlocking new opportunities for regional collaboration and supporting Macao’s efforts to build a higher-level platform for opening-up.
Third, to fulfil the functions of “bringing in investment” and “going global”. As a “platform among platforms”, the Macao Chamber of Commerce will, with strong support and promotion from government departments, relevant mainland ministries and commissions, and business associations, arrange no fewer than 200 business matching sessions during the convention. It is anticipated that the assembly of entrepreneurial leaders and elites from over 50 countries and regions in Macao will yield tangible outcomes beyond mere attendance. It will foster genuine commercial collaborations, encourage private enterprises to venture overseas together, and assist global Chinese entrepreneurs in exploring vast business opportunities in Macao, the Greater Bay Area, Hengqin, and across China. This will promote win-win co-operation while advancing Macao’s appropriate economic diversification.
Fourth, to demonstrate the competitive facilities and services of the “One Centre”. The convention will bring together 4,000 business representatives in Macao, comprising approximately 1,500 from overseas, 2,000 from mainland China, and 500 locals. Organising an international event of this scale in Macao is no small feat. As a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, Macao is equipped with excellent facilities and services, including world-class resources for hosting exhibitions and conventions – over 240,000 square metres of exhibition space and more than 40,000 hotel rooms. Beyond these tangible assets, Macao possesses professional teams with extensive experience in managing large-scale events. The rapid resurgence and development of the MICE industry after the pandemic, coupled with its repeated accolades, affirm Macao’s capability to host gatherings of this magnitude. Hosting the convention in Macao thus presents an opportune moment to showcase the comprehensive strengths of Macao as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, serving as a vivid illustration of how “grand performances can unfold even on a small stage”.
President Chui expressed sincere gratitude for the robust support and encouragement from the Macao SAR Government and the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR throughout the preparations. Thanks to the collective efforts of all members of the Macao Chamber of Commerce – including the coordinated contributions of directors and supervisors, as well as the active involvement of the Youth Committee and Ladies’ Committee in reception duties, and the deployment of student volunteers from Macao’s five tertiary institutions – the Chamber is confident that the convention will be a resounding success, leaving guests from home and abroad with a profound and positive impression.
President Chui also thanked the media for their attention and support to this convention, and hoped that the event’s highlights and achievements could receive immediate coverage, working together to share the story of the WCEC with the rest of the world. The Chamber appreciates the strong support and assistance from all sectors of society, which has enabled the smooth progress of the convention’s preparatory work. It also extends its most sincere gratitude to the SAR government, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, relevant mainland ministries and commissions, business associations, and sponsoring organisations.
According to Ma Chi Ngai Frederico, this convention will feature a series of sessions, including plenary addresses, thematic forums, business negotiations, and business visits. A key highlight is the high-calibre plenary addresses, which boast four esteemed speakers, including Professor Justin Lin Yifu, member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Economic Affairs of the CPPCC National Committee, and Dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University; Pansy Ho, member of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee, Vice-Chairwoman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and Chairwoman of Shun Tak Holdings; Professor Bai Chunli, former President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Founding President of the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions; and Nan Cunhui, member of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee, Vice-Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and Chairman of CHINT Group. Participants will explore ways to leverage Macao’s platform role to facilitate global Chinese entrepreneurs’ participation in the development of the GBA and the Cooperation Zone, with a focus on Macao’s proactive promotion of its diversified industrial development under the “1+4” strategy.
Ma also underscored the tremendous impact of this convention. In addition to guests from Hong Kong and Macao, nearly 50% of the participants hail from economically vibrant Chinese provinces such as Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang, while close to 40% are from countries across Asia, Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. This year’s convention has drawn a high calibre of attendees, with approximately 70% being senior corporate decision-makers, including chairpersons, presidents, CEOs, and founders, and over 20% being middle and senior management. Furthermore, municipal leaders and representatives of industry and commerce associations and overseas Chinese federations from various regions are actively participating. With over 1,500 enterprises and institutions in attendance, it will gather leading players in finance, technology, and trade, alongside listed companies and internationally renowned brands. Therefore, it is safe to say that the WCEC is a significant platform that brings together global business leaders and fosters substantive collaboration.
Poon Yiu Wing Irwin, a Standing Committee member, provided an overview of the convention schedule and preparatory work. He noted that the three-day event features a rich and packed itinerary. Expecting the arrival of more than 150 delegations in Macao, dedicated fast-track channels will be set up at each port of entry, with strong support from the Macao SAR Government, to streamline clearance procedures and facilitate smooth entry for guests. The Chamber has also mobilised a reception team of over 200 members, including its own members and university student volunteers, who will be stationed at ports and hotels to provide reception and logistical support.
The welcome dinner, WCEC exhibition, opening ceremony & plenary addresses, thematic forums, and business matching sessions will be held at The Venetian Macao and the Galaxy International Convention Centre. Shuttle bus services will be available throughout the convention to transport participants between the venues and hotels. This year’s WCEC also incorporates a rich array of cultural elements from Macao, including access to the Oktoberfest at MGM, the House of Dancing Water, Macau 2049, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and a golf tournament. These activities will allow global Chinese entrepreneurs to appreciate Macao’s unique charm firsthand as a city where Eastern and Western cultures converge, in addition to their business discussions. Furthermore, over 250 guests will conduct business inspections in the Cooperation Zone to learn about its industrial landscape.
To share the convention’s details and updates in an efficient and methodical manner, a dedicated app will be launched across mobile app stores, offering users one-stop access to event details, transport information, and simultaneous interpretation.
Also present at the press conference were Standing Committee members Un Kin Kuan, He Haiming, U Seng, and Chui, Calvin Tinlop, Secretary-General Au Weng Chi, and Deputy Secretary-General Leong Heng Wa.
