On February 28, the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao) (Forum Macao) organized a Spring Festival Media Reception at MGM in Macao, during which Forum Macao held exchanges with the heads and representatives of Portuguese, English, and Chinese-language media in Macao. The Secretary-General of the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao, Ji Xianzheng, attended the event and gave a speech.

In his speech, Secretary-General Ji Xianzheng said that the year 2023 celebrated the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Forum Macao and was the first year of the Permanent Secretariat’s full resumption of face-to-face exchange activities. Over the past 20 years, Forum Macao has witnessed a significant increase in influence and cohesion, owing to its achievements in various aspects, including promoting trade and investment, conducting training in human resources, boosting co-operation between provinces and cities, carrying out cultural exchanges between China and Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs), and supporting the construction of the Macao platform. The Secretary-General expressed his gratitude to the media in Macao for their valuable contributions to raising public awareness of Forum Macao and the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform, as well as promoting co-operation and friendship between China and PSCs.

This year, the Permanent Secretariat will focus on preparing for the 6th Ministerial Conference of Forum Macao, actively implement the “Strategic Plan for Economic and Trade Co-operation”, continue to expand the co-operation platform and enrich its institutional content. Through the organization of conferences, participation in exhibitions, launch of training, and trips to Mainland China and PSCs, the Permanent Secretariat intends to constantly promote the exchanges and co-operation in the economic, commercial, and cultural fields between parties in Forum Macao, enhancing the effectiveness of events aimed at economic and commercial promotion. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland. The Permanent Secretariat will continue to support Macao in better playing its role as a bridge and link between China and PSCs, facilitate Macao to develop the “1+4” adequate economic diversification, so that Macao can greatly integrate into the national development plan and enrich the renewed practice of “One country, two systems”.