Strengthening ties between Macau, GBA and Italy

Italy is one of the main European exporter to Macau: the special administrative region of China imported goods from Italy for a total value of about MOP 15.3 billion (about billion 1.6 euro).

Macau’s untapped opportunities for Italy

However the collaboration between those two countries stops here. It’s only a “providing goods” type of collaboration: basic, without real networking or exchange of knowledge/know-how and investments. The fact that few Italians know about the place is also due to the poor promotion of the area by Italian institutions. I see it as a choice: Italy (through the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and the Italian Consulate in Hong Kong) focuses only on the near Hong Kong. Maybe the reason is that it seems more similar to them and it’s more “safe” and less “risky” under a business point of view (more international, more industrial and less hospitality-focus opposite to Macau).

However by choosing this way, Italy is losing many opportunities. Beyond academic and research opportunities, Macao SAR also represents a unique laboratory for hospitality and tourism. The city has successfully transformed itself into an international hub that attracts millions of visitors each year, offering everything from integrated resorts to cultural experiences. For Italy—renowned worldwide for its tourism and hospitality traditions—observing Macau’s strategies could provide valuable insights into how to innovate and diversify its own tourism offerings. Italy has a lot to learn from Macau: not only about research conducted at its main universities such as the University of Macau (with the Faculty of Business Administration that is Triple Crown Accredited and among the best universities for research publications and mentioning in the world), but also regarding business development, diversification strategies, policy agility, etc.

Many countries other than Portugal are starting to understand that Macao SAR is a strategic place where to do business: there is policy agility for foreign business that want to enter the market and many growing opportunities. The “1+4” diversification strategy of Macau’s Government (1 stands for the continuing development of Integrated Resorts; 4 stands for the development of four new industries: high and new technologies, big health-medical tourism, fine dining, MICE, and modern financial services) would give a great opportunity to Italy.

Another often overlooked aspect is Macau’s ability to adapt quickly to global changes. The pandemic highlighted the importance of flexible policies and support mechanisms for businesses. In this regard, Macau’s regulatory agility is a model that Italy could study carefully, especially to facilitate the entry of startups and SMEs into international markets. Building bridges with dynamic environments like Macau would open new paths for collaboration and mutual growth.

I live in Macau and I’m officially registered at the registry of Italians living abroad. I studied here, at the University of Macau, as exchange student from January 2024 to May 2024. In September 2024 I came back here to work under working visa (sponsored) for almost 1 year and now. After quitting my job following the regulations of the place, I’m studying full-time for my MSc and working as student helper/research assistant at the University of Macau. I’ve contributed to two guest lecture: one in International Marketing, the other one in Social Media Marketing. I’ve written some op-ed articles and analysis for business journals (such as Eurasia Review and TravelDailyNews Asia-Pacific). And I’ve participated to some meetings such as the one co-organised by the European Chamber of Commerce in Macau and the Ireland-Macau Chamber of Commerce.

Looking ahead, the key lies in establishing a more direct dialogue between Italian institutions and those in Macau. It is not only about exporting goods, but also about sharing know‑how, developing joint projects, and creating networks of professionals and researchers. In this way, Italy could strengthen its presence in the Greater Bay Area and benefit from an ecosystem that is expanding rapidly, combining Asian traditions with international openness.

I’m happy to participate in my small part to this country’s research and economy development. And I’m very optimistic about the future of this place and its diversification strategy. If any Italian business wants info about Macau and needs guide about how to enter the market, I’m always available to talk. I live here and I know this place. I’m happy to contribute to strengthen ties between Macau and Italy, and more generally between Italy and the Greater Bay Area.

To contact me use this page: https://www.andreapimpini.com/contact/