Macao Polytechnic Institute (MPI) is to launch two new academic programmes that should help to build relations between China and the Portuguese Speaking Countries, Macau’s Portuguese language newspaper Jornal Tribuna de Macau reported on Wednesday.

MPI’s President, Professor Lei Heong Iok, said the higher education institution was awaiting the Macao Government’s approval in order to launch a Mandarin program for foreigners. Mr Lei said the initiative took into account growing interest in the language, especially from nationals of the Portuguese Speaking Countries.

MPI is also planning to start a Portuguese language programme designed to train teachers of Chinese origin to teach Portuguese.

According to Mr Lei – as quoted by the newspaper – MPI is already planning for the next 10 to 20 years in order to “guarantee the development of the Portuguese language” in the region.

The initiatives come as MPI starts accepting applications for its new Bachelor of Social Sciences in Sino-Lusophone Trade Relations.