The Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), also known as Forum Macao, hosted a press conference on October 8 to announce the activity programme for the 7th Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries.

During the event, the representatives of the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao also announced several other activities scheduled for October.

Participants in the press conference included: the Secretary-General of the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao, Mr Chang Hexi; the Head of the Division of Recreation and Sports of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Mr Cheang Kai Meng; the head of the Division of Business Tourism and Events of the Macao Government Tourist Office, Ms Tong Heong In; the Division Head of the Department of Economic Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Yan Zhigang; the Deputy Secretary-General (appointed by Portuguese-speaking Countries) of the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao, Mr Vicente de Jesus Manuel; the Deputy Secretary-General (appointed by the Macao SAR Government) of the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao, Ms Echo Chan; the President of the Portuguese Oriental Institute, Mr João Laurentino Neves; and the Representatives of the Member States of Forum Macao.

The events announced at the press conference are an important part of Forum Macao’s 2015 agenda. These initiatives make use of Macao as a service platform to promote economic, trade and cultural co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries.

The activities announced were divided into two segments: those part of the 7th Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries; and investment and trade promotion activities to be held on the sidelines of the Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF).

The Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries includes the following five sets of activities: gastronomy event “World of Flavours” from Portuguese-speaking Countries; Handicraft and Art Fair of Guangdong, China and Portuguese Speaking Countries; a Portuguese-speaking Countries’ theatre festival; music and dance performances from China and Portuguese-speaking Countries; and contemporary art exhibitions.

In addition, five activities to promote trade and investment will be held in October: the China and Portuguese-speaking Countries’ Young Entrepreneurs Forum; a roundtable gathering with provincial and municipal officials from China and Portuguese-speaking Countries; participation in the 20th MIF, including setting up a pavilion for Portuguese-speaking Countries Pavilion; participation in the 5th Summit for Trade and Industrial Development of Jiangsu Province, Macao and Portuguese-speaking Countries; and an introductory session to business and investment opportunities in the field of fishery in Portuguese-speaking Countries.

By organising and joining these activities, the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao aims to promote the guiding principles of the “The Belt and Road Initiative”, strengthening Macao’s role as a platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries and creating new trade and business opportunities.

For instance, the showcase of lusophone food during the 7th Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries can generate new business opportunities for the food industry in Macao. The same could happen in other fields – including the creative industry sector – enhancing the city’s role as a platform.

A similar effect could be expected from the activities on trade and investment promotion scheduled for October. These can contribute to the development of the “One Centre and One Platform Initiative”, as well as to boost regional economic co-operation between Mainland China, Macao and Portuguese-speaking Countries.