A study conducted by the Guangdong Research Institute for International Strategies suggests China should invest more in co-operation with Portuguese-speaking Countries and with Latin America.

The study, commissioned by the Hengqin New Area Management Committee, indicates that Hengqin Island and the rest of Guangdong province could benefit from that co-operation because of their proximity to Macao, reported news outlet Jornal Tribuna de Macau.

According to the newspaper, the study proposes the creation of a training centre for Chinese entrepreneurs to teach them about the business and investment environments of Lusophone and South America countries.

The authors of the study also suggest the establishment of a centre for strategic studies on Portuguese-speaking Countries and Latin American countries. The study also advocates the negotiation – by the parties – of accreditation schemes for mutual recognition of professional qualifications in areas such as tourism, law or engineering, reported the Macao newspaper.

The study lists several investment opportunities in Lusophone countries.

Pharmaceutical manufacturing, tourism and food products are highlighted as priorities for strengthening investment and business partnerships between Guangdong and Portugal, said the authors of the study, stressing that the co-operation model could also include Macao.

The study additionally suggests a bet on the textile sector of Brazil as a priority, since it is a major area of development both in China and in the South American country.

The report also says that Angola has abundant natural resources and that companies in Guangdong province have shown an interest in boosting investment in sectors linked to mining and infrastructure.