The 5th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao) will be held in Macao on 11 and 12 October 2016. Delegations from mainland China and seven Portuguese-speaking countries, namely Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal and East Timor will be in Macao for the Ministerial Conference. The theme for this edition of the Ministerial Conference will be: Working Toward Stronger Sino-Portuguese-speaking Countries’ Trade and Economic Relations – Combining Efforts, Jointly Building a Platform, Sharing Fruits of Development. The Ministerial Conference will highlight the opportunities arising from the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (known as the “Belt and Road” Initiative). The two-day Ministerial Conference will start with a welcoming banquet and opening ceremony, followed by ministerial meetings and press briefings. There will also be meetings between entrepreneurs from China and those from Portuguese-speaking countries. Delegates representing the participating countries will sign several memorandums of cooperation. They include the Strategic Plan for Economic and Trade Co-operation (2017-2019). It will outline the development vision and direction for cooperation covering those three years. The 5th Ministerial Conference is expected to complement existing cooperation efforts between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, and to boost among the member countries the impetus for development. The Ministerial Conference will also strengthen Macao’s functions as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries; and will provide a fresh driving force for the diversification of the city’s economy. The Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao) was founded in Macao in October 2003. It was an initiative of the Central Government, with the collaboration of the Macao SAR Government. Forum Macao’s membership includes seven Portuguese-speaking countries: Angola; Brazil; Cape Verde; Guinea-Bissau; Mozambique; Portugal; and East Timor. Forum Macao aims to build multilateral ties between governmental agencies of its various member countries and places, in a bid to facilitate economic and trade cooperation. It is also aims better to promote Macao’s unique bridging role between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, in order to bolster exchanges in trade services and cultural affairs. Forum Macao has a record of success spanning its 13 years of existence. As well as expanding intergovernmental exchanges, it has also boosted cooperation on: trade; investment; human resources; agricultural and fisheries; and overall economic development. The previous editions of the Forum Macao took place in October 2003; September 2006; November 2010; and November 2013.
