Wu Zibin, Deputy Director of the Fujian Foreign Economic Co-operation Centre, recently said that China intends to share its experience and models for supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Portuguese-speaking Countries. He made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the Capacity-Building Seminar for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises from Portuguese-speaking Countries, held in Fujian Province from 13 to 26 August.

Wu Zibin explained that the initiative, which formed part of the implementation of the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, sought to discuss new approaches to strengthening business capabilities and promoting inclusive growth. He stressed that SMEs are pillars of the economy, owing to their resilience and dynamism in the face of global economic challenges.

During the seminar, participants deepened their understanding of China’s socio-political context, mechanisms for supporting and financing SMEs, and the practices of Chinese companies in different sectors. Study visits gave participants first-hand insight into the experience of Chinese companies.

The official said that China and Portuguese-speaking Countries have considerable scope for co-operation in SME development and should capitalise on the complementarity of their respective economies. According to Wu Zibin, cultural affinities and ties of friendship between their peoples provide a favourable basis for such co-operation. He added that China would continue to promote political and commercial dialogue and create more pragmatic and effective co-operation mechanisms in support of businesses.

(Source: Inforpress, 26 August)