Macao Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin-ip said on Thursday the special administrative region’s inclusive and harmonious environment has fostered deep cultural and commercial ties between China and Portuguese-speaking economies.

Tai made the remarks when he was introducing the city’s latest development to over 50 journalists from across the nation who are on an eight-day trip to explore the development of the Hong Kong and Macao SARs.

Since the establishment of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), also known as Forum Macao, in 2003, trade volume between the two sides has surged twentyfold, from $11 billion to $225 billion last year.

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The increase in trade demonstrates Macao’s effectiveness as a “precise connector”, Tai said. While translation technology is readily available, true mutual understanding requires cultural engagement and trust-building, the secretary added.

Looking ahead, Tai said Macao will leverage its role as a fundamental liaison to appropriately diversify its economy, with a particular focus on the technology sector.

Concrete steps taken include strengthening international collaboration, such as the signing of cooperation agreements with countries to facilitate partnerships between universities and research institutions.

Additionally, Macao offers specialized training programs for senior government officials from Portuguese-speaking nations, covering urban governance, finance, law and tourism.

These initiatives help foreign leaders understand the Macao SAR and China’s development model, facilitating smoother business collaborations, Tai said.

In deepening cooperation with sibling cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Tai emphasized leveraging Macao’s unique strengths to complement those of other cities.

For instance, in tourism, multidestination itineraries could be designed to attract more international visitors, Tai said.

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Another key focus is technological advancement — Macao aims to learn from and collaborate with other GBA cities to develop high-tech industries.

In terms of supporting local small and medium-sized enterprises, Tai spoke of a series of initiatives focusing on three key areas: digitalization promotion program, facilitating community SMEs such as establishing tourism attractions collaborating with international IPs, and dedicated financial assistance programs.

The journalist delegation, organized by the All-China Journalists Association, will make in-depth exchanges with various sectors of Macao today and Saturday before wraping up the trip on Sunday.

Contact the writer at stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com