A delegation led by the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Ye Dabo, visited the facilities of the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao on 26 July. The group was welcomed by Secretary-General Ms Xu Yingzhen, along with the other members of the Permanent Secretariat.

Ms Xu extended a warm welcome to the delegation and thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding its support for the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao. The Secretary-General delivered a brief introduction on the operation and development of Forum Macao, including its work to foster cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries across several areas, including: economic and trade affairs; industrial capacity; collaboration between cities; human resources; cultural exchanges; and promotion of Macao’s role as a service platform.

Ms Xu’s remarks also covered major activities and events organised to mark the 15th anniversary of Forum Macao. Each member of the Permanent Secretariat additionally delivered a brief presentation to the visiting delegation.

Commissioner Ye acknowledged the role Forum Macao had played in consolidating and enhancing Macao’s status as a service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. During Macao’s rapid development over the past 15 years – after its return to Chinese administration – Forum Macao had successfully promoted trade and investment collaboration between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, and also increased global recognition of Macao’s role as a cooperation platform, said Commissioner Ye.

As a part of China’s foreign affairs work, the country would continue to deepen cooperation with Portuguese-speaking nations, in order to advance effort on the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative and help reform the global governance system, Commissioner Ye added.

In order to strengthen ties between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, as well as to solidify Macao’s role as a service platform, Commissioner Ye proposed four main routes: first, to strengthen the links between the development strategies pursued respectively by China and each Portuguese-speaking Country; second, to enhance the role of Macao in cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries in order to achieve a win-win situation for all involved; third, to explore new paths for cooperation between Macao and Portuguese-speaking Countries, in order to promote the city’s sustainable development and economic diversification; and ultimately, to step up in the future, collaboration between the Ministry and the Secretariat of Forum Macao regarding joint development projects.