Ji Xianzheng, secretary-general of the Permanent Secretariat of Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), said on Friday that the forum provides stability and predictability for international cooperation in the face of a changing global economic landscape.
Speaking at an interview session with some 50 journalists from across the nation, Ji said that the forum he works for, also known as Forum Macao, is a multilateral cooperation mechanism focusing on boosting trade and development between the nation and all nine Portuguese-speaking countries – namely Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, and Timor-Leste.
The forum’s strategic plan for economic and trade cooperation, published after the forum’s triennial ministerial conference, helps establish clear policies and priority areas for collaboration, particularly in upholding multilateral trade systems and promoting economic globalization, stressed Ji.
READ MORE: Macao bridges China, Portuguese-speaking nations
Major trading partners such as Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique have maintained stable policies toward cooperation with China, which provides a solid foundation for further development, Ji said. While acknowledging occasional fluctuations in trade figures due to broader macroeconomic pressures, Ji stressed that these were normal under current global conditions.
When asked about key cooperation areas, Ji highlighted that beyond traditional bulk commodity trade, Portuguese-speaking countries are increasingly interested in digital economy and green development — sectors where China holds significant advantages.
The forum is directing more resources into training programs and workshops in those fields, and plan to further prioritize cooperation in these emerging areas next year, said Ji.
The forum has yielded significant results over its two-decade operation. In 2024, bilateral trade between China and Portuguese-speaking countries surpassed a record $225 billion. China's total investment in these nations has reached $80 billion, while the cumulative value of contracted projects completed stands at $140 billion, demonstrating robust and deepening economic ties.
To enhance the Macao Special Administrative Region’s role as a strategic bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, Ji outlined the Permanent Secretariat’s 2025 work plan, which focuses on three key pillars: trade and investment promotion, capacity building, and cultural exchange.
Key initiatives for this year include inviting Chinese mainland business representatives to attend the economic and trade cooperation fair in July in Equatorial Guinea, while expanding the reach of the Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries by holding various events on the mainland.
READ MORE: Macao bridges China, Portuguese-speaking countries
Organized by the All-China Journalists Association, the delegation is on an eight-day trip to document Hong Kong and Macao’s progress and competitiveness.
Also on Friday, reporters received briefings from Macao’s four leading social organizations — the Macao Youth Federation, Macao Federation of Trade Unions, General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macao, and The Women's General Association of Macau — regarding their initiatives to support local residents, particularly in facilitating their career development within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
The delegation will continue their visit to make in-depth exchanges with the tourism sector of Macao on Saturday before wrapping up the trip on Sunday.
Contact the writer at stacyshi@chinadailhk.com
