On 25th May 2024, European Chamber Southwest China Chapter held a Gala Ball - A Night of Timeless Splendor which attracted over 160 guests from local officials, EU Consuls General and representative of the diplomatic community in Southwest China, member companies and friends in Chengdu.

 

Sally Huang, General Manager of European Chamber Southwest China Chapter made the opening speech. Mr. Jorge Toledo Albiñana, Ambassador, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to China shared EU-China relations and EU-China trade by video speech.

 

Massimo Bagnasco, Vice President of the Chamber and Chair of Southwest China Chapter gave a speech in the event. “We are here to celebrate the first European Chamber Southwest China Chapter Gala Ball, to enjoy the fusion of cultural heritage and a night of elegance and amusement. We want to strengthen our bonds with the wonderful land of abundance, Sichuan, which warmly welcomed all of us. The land of opportunity, prosperity, innovation, and rich culture.” Said Chair Bagnasco.

 

Chair Bagnasco talked that culture serves as a primary bridge that intimately connects all European Union Member States with Sichuan and Chengdu. And extended his warm gratitude to Madame Li Bei from Sichuan Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, for her unwavering support, and to the representatives of Jinsha Museum for their collaboration in organising the Gala Ball under the theme of Jinsha Phoenix and the Shu culture.

 

Chair Bagnasco also introduced that green development and the transition toward a decarbonized world stand as the cornerstone of cooperation between China, and the European Union and the ongoing constructive dialogues on environmental and climate-related matters. Chair Bagnasco thought that we live in a period of tensions, necessitating the rebuilding of bilateral trust as the initial step toward reestablishing robust trade and investment activities. Therefore, extensive dialogues are imperative across our entire relationship, particularly on matters where we have different opinions.

 

“Guided by our genuine desire, let us rekindle our shared values and interests to foster deeper collaboration. Culture, undoubtedly, stands as the most fitting channel for this endeavour.” Shared Chair Bagnasco.

 

The guests enjoyed the band performance, experienced the atmosphere of the Sichuan culture together with European delicacies provided by chefs, by wine experts, nevertheless also European beer, and finest espresso coffee.