One of the highlights of the Monaco Yacht Show’s social agenda, the famous China Night was held once again at the prestigious Riva Tunnel, in the heart of the Principality, on the 27th of September. Organised under the aegis of the Embassy of Monaco in China and supported by Monaco Boat Service, the exclusive dealer of Riva yachts in Monaco and France, the 7th edition of the highly coveted reception celebrated the sino-monegasque relations in yachting, tourism and culture.
2019 has been a historic year in diplomatic relations between China and Monaco, marked by the state visit of President Xi Jinping and his wife to the principality. On the 24th of March, they were welcomed at the Palace by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene for a private meeting and an official lunch. Meanwhile, bilateral meetings involving representatives of both governments where held, to discuss the future development of fruitful relations between China and Monaco. As a direct result of this state visit, Air China started operating a direct flight between Beijing and Nice on the 2nd of August, supporting the exponential increase of Chinese visitors to the Principality.
The Riva Tunnel, which was excavated in the Principality’s famous rock, right underneath the Palace, by Carlo Riva, who 60 years ago managed to convince then ruling prince HSH Rainier III, was selected as the exclusive venue for the 2018 China Night gala dinner. Following the success of last year’s event, the Ambassador of Monaco to China, H.E. Ms Catherine Fautrier, along with the President of Monaco Boat Service, Ms Lia Riva, were very keen to host the China Night again in this unique location, full of symbols representing the history of Monegasque yachting.
The 2019 edition of the China Night was graced by the presence of Chinese star actor Li Chen and famed singer G.E.M.. On this occasion, Mr Li Chen was awarded the title of Destination Ambassador by Mr Guy Antognelli, Director of the Tourism & Convention Authority of Monaco. In the aftermath of the China Night, G.E.M. took advantage of her memorable stay in Monaco to film the video of her latest single, which will surely contribute to the promotion of the Principality in China and beyond, through Asian major music channels.
This year’s China Night was also the occasion for the Embassy of Monaco to China and Luxe Lakes Eco City to formalise a strategic cooperation accord. Following this, strong initiatives will be put in place to strengthen the presence and visibility of the Principality of Monaco in the Luxe Lakes development, which is the largest mix-used property development project in Western China.
Luxe Lakes is a new commercial, residential and recreational community located in the dynamic city of Chengdu. Poised to have an important role in Chengdu’s emerging high-tech and creative industries, and located just south of Chengdu’s new Central Business District in Tianfu, Luxe Lakes seeks to create a high quality suburban centre to meet the housing, business and lifestyle needs of Chengdu’s growing affluent community. The strategic cooperation accord between Luxe Lakes and Monaco was designed ahead of the upcoming opening of the eco-city’s brand new yacht club, to support the development of high level water sports, yachting and environment awareness at the heart of China.
