The Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao organized the Forum of Infrastructure Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries & Business Meeting of Infrastructure Cooperation between Macao, Shandong and Portuguese-speaking Countries under the theme of “China-PSCs Infrastructure Cooperation and Green Development” during the 15th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF). The event was held on June 19 at Cotai Expo, The Venetian Macao, where Ji Xianzheng, Secretary-General of the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao; Fang Qiuchen, Chairman of the China International Contractors Association; U U Sang, President of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM); Maria Gustava, Head of the delegations of Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs); and Zhang Qingwei, Deputy Director of the Department of Commerce of Shandong Province, delivered speeches successively. The event was attended by over 120 participants, including Carlos Alberto Gregório dos Santos, Minister of Public Works, Urban Planning and Housing of Angola; Gastão Francisco de Sousa, Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment of Timor-Leste; diplomatic envoys of PSCs to China; and representatives of the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao, financial institutions, consultancies and relevant enterprises from PSCs, Macao and other parts of China.

Secretary-General Ji Xianzheng noted that the 6th Ministerial Conference of Forum Macao was successfully held in Macao, where the Strategic Plan for Economic and Trade Cooperation was signed to help member countries continuously strengthen infrastructure cooperation. This year, the Permanent Secretariat jointly organized the parallel forum with the Department of Commerce of Shandong Province and the International Forum for Clean Energy Secretariat to facilitate exchanges and cooperation among China’s local governments, business associations, financial institutions, think tanks and PSCs. The Permanent Secretariat will work with all parties to push forward the implementation of the tasks set forth in the Strategic Plan for Economic and Trade Cooperation of the 6th Ministerial Conference.

Chairman Fang Qiuchen said that this year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the IIICF and the 10th anniversary of the Forum of Infrastructure Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. Infrastructure has always been a key area of cooperation between China and PSCs. Over the years, they have proactively forged cooperation in transportation, communications, water conservancy and electric power to promote infrastructure connectivity, alignment of rules and standards, and friendship among the peoples. Active contributions have been made to infrastructure interconnectivity among different regions, deepening of multilateral and bilateral economic and trade relations, and economic recovery of PSCs and the whole world. 

President U U Sang mentioned that the theme of the event is “China-PSCs Infrastructure Cooperation and Green Development”, which is not only in line with the agenda of the 6th Ministerial Conference but also drives green infrastructure cooperation between PSCs, Macao, and provinces and cities in mainland China such as Shandong. Macao makes use of its unique advantages and its role as a platform between China and PSCs to help Shandong and PSCs explore cooperation in more areas, thereby further enhancing Macao’s reputation as an international metropolis.

Ambassador Maria Gustava said that they have high expectations for this forum, as it is a response to the relevant content of the Strategic Plan signed at the 6th Ministerial Conference. They are ready to cooperate with the great and trustworthy partner, China, because China is at the forefront of new technologies and is willing to share its development experience with PSCs to strengthen cooperation in various fields. They wish to continue to use the ideal and superior platform provided by Macao to propel and deepen the coordinated development of infrastructure and to optimize the productivity of all member countries.

Zhou Jie, Vice-Director-General and Secretary-General of the International Forum for Clean Energy (Macao), hosted a discussion session where a list of panelists probed into the theme of green infrastructure development, including Gastão Francisco de Sousa, Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment of Timor-Leste; Wang Shaodan, Chairman of the China-Africa Development Fund; Han Wenke, a consultative member of the International Forum for Clean Energy (Macao); Wang Yueqing, Vice General Manager of State Power Investment Overseas Co., Ltd. of China; Wang Dehai, Chairman of the Board of Qing Jian Group Co., Ltd.; and Wang Xiaohui, Vice General Manager of Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. They had in-depth discussions and exchanges on various topics, such as the sustainable infrastructure cooperation projects of key interest to PSCs, cooperation opportunities, relevant financing cooperation, advantages and experience of Chinese enterprises in implementing sustainable infrastructure cooperation projects in PSCs, and prospects for future cooperation.

After the event, the participants exchanged views with the panelists.