Europe CommitteeIncoming Visitors

Penta Group’s Senior Partner and Managing Partner for Europe and Asia Conall McDevitt, and Managing Director Thomas Kwan called on the Chamber on 4 March to share insights from their recently released EU policymaker research report, which surveyed more than 600 policymakers in the E.U. and its member states between March and August 2023.

Kwan pointed out that while EU policymakers have concerns about digital security -- particularly cybersecurity and data protection -- they are still open to working with Chinese companies in various sectors like AI, medical devices and e-commerce. McDevitt added that interest in Sino-European cooperation in the fields of climate change and environmental protection is extremely strong. Europe Committee Chairman Alfonso Ballesteros, together with committee members, welcomed the visitors.

At the Europe Committee meeting today, Committee Chairman Alfonso Ballesteros showcased to members plans for one-week business mission to Spain and Portugal, including Lisbon, Madrid and Mallorca, which is set to take place in late May. He highlighted the business potential in Mallorca, including its plans to establish direct flights to Asia.

Besides opportunities to visit cutting edge infrastructure, innovation and tech centers such as the Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, the mission could also open business opportunities for members through high-level networking with the support from the regional government and main business organizations. Several members attending expressed keen interest in joining. Any member interested in learning more about the mission can contact the Europe Committee Secretary.

We had a useful meeting with a high-level delegation from Croatia today, led by Marko Primorac, Minister of Finance, Ministry of Finance of Croatia. He explained that Croatia had just signed a double-taxation agreement with Hong Kong yesterday (24 January) to facilitate closer collaboration. Croatia is well-known for its IT expertise, with the sector contributing around 8% to its GDP, as well as its quality wines and olive oil, sold to high-end outlets. Dario Mihelin, Ambassador of Croatia to the PRC, said he is hoping that direct flights with Hong Kong can be established to boost business and tourist arrivals. CEO Patrick Yeung and Europe Committee Vice Chairman Stratos Pourzitakis, PhD, together with committee members, welcomed the visitors.