Monaco hosted a delegation from the Macau Special Administrative Region (RAEM) Government on March 8-9, led by Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin Ip, as part of a broader European tour aimed at strengthening international partnerships. The visit, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of China-Monaco diplomatic relations, spotlighted opportunities for collaboration in tourism, technology, and beyond.
Skål International Monaco organised a warm reception for the delegation, bringing together leaders from tourism, finance, and tech sectors to explore mutual interests at the Hôtel Hermitage. Tai Kin Ip highlighted the shared appeal of Monaco and Macau as premier tourist destinations, noting their rich histories and strategic locations. He proposed deeper ties, particularly in tourism, conventions, and events, linking Monaco to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Macau’s Tourism Director, showcased the latest developments in Macau’s “tourism+” model, blending culture and innovation.
Monaco’s Ambassador to China, Marie-Pascale Boisson, hosted a dinner for the delegation, joined by local officials from economy, tourism, and events sectors. She hailed the visit—the first by Chinese officials in years—as a milestone in Sino-Monegasque relations, especially in this anniversary year. Both sides exchanged ideas on enhancing cooperation, marking a step forward for Monaco-Macau relations.
The delegation’s Monaco stop capped a multi-country trip that included Spain, Portugal, and Belgium. Earlier, they attended the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona on March 3, engaging with tech giants like Huawei and the GSMA to discuss future collaborations. In Lisbon from March 4-6, they met with Portugal’s Bank, Economy, and Education officials, signing research and exchange agreements with universities. In Brussels on March 7, talks with EU representatives advanced plans for the 24th EU-Macau Joint Committee meeting.
For Monaco, the visit underscores its growing role as a hub for international exchange, leveraging its tourism prestige and European ties to connect with Asia’s dynamic economies like Macau.
Image by Jean Louis Neveu
