The EUBIP is officially launched in Macao on 19 Febuary 2009
2009-02-20

The signing ceremony by the three partners' representatives

A toast of all guests

A toast of all guests

The European Union Business Information Programme (EUBIP) celebrated the launch of a series of activities and initiatives in Macao and Hong Kong on Thursday evening, at an event attended by a broad spectrum of the Macao, Hong Kong and European business community.

Using the resources, expertise and networks of its consortium and external partners, and a grant from the European Commission, EUBIP aims to generate real business opportunities for Macao and Hong Kong by raising awareness of the benefits of the European Union as a business partner. It will also serve as a vehicle to promote a better understanding between the EU, Macao and Hong Kong on policies and regulations.

The consortium partners for the three-year project are the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and the Institute of European Studies of Macau (IEEM). 

Speaking at the event, Dr LEE Peng Hong, President of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, said: “EUBIP is doubly important for Macao at a time when the whole community is experiencing the effects of the global economic slowdown. Through events, sharing of expertise and the broadening of our business networks with the European Union and with European companies based in the region, we aim to create real opportunities for our local business community.”

Johan Adler, Chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce added: “EUBIP is about creating tangible benefits through practical, timely and business-relevant initiatives and activities. We believe we can build on our already strong ties to bring together even more business people from Europe, Macao and Hong Kong and, over the next three years, this is what we plan to do.”

Dr José Luís de Sales Marques, President of the Institute of European Studies of Macau, echoed the views of his fellow EUBIP partners: “By pooling our resources we're multiplying the advantages we bring to Macao. One example is our annual seminar on intellectual property rights, which is considered a must-attend event for all companies concerned about protecting IP and building brands in the Greater China region. This year, as part of EUBIP, we will host consecutive events in Hong Kong and Macao.”

Franz Jessen, Head of Unit for China in the Directorate-General for External Relations of the European Commission, which provides funding and expertise to EUBIP, said: “The European Union is already one of Macao and Hong Kong's largest trading partner, Through EUBIP we will reinforce this growing interaction as well as strengthening economic cooperation, dialogue and communication between Hong Kong, Macao and the EU in the coming years.”