Press conference of the 12th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum
The 12th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (12th IIICF), co-organised by the China International Contractors Association and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, will be held in Macao from 22 to 23 July, themed “Join Hands for New Development of International Infrastructure Co-operation”. The 12th IIICF will continue to combine online and offline activities, serving as an exchange and matching platform for representatives of governments, research institutes, industries and universities from Mainland China, Macao, and countries and regions along the Belt and Road routes, to promote international co-operation in the industry and come through this trying time in solidarity.
At the press conference held today (20 July) by the organisers of the IIICF, Chairman of the China International Contractors Association Fang Qiuchen and President of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute Lau Wai Meng introduced their preparatory work.
Scaling up the IIICF and accommodating more guests and booths
More than 1,300 guests from over 500 entities in 42 countries and regions have signed up for the 12th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (12th IIICF), an estimated increase of around 30% compared to the 11th IIICF. The guests include 34 foreign envoys in China, and senior executives of 25 financial institutions, 64 top 250 international contractors and 72 Global 500 companies. In addition, the 12th IIICF offers 60 booths, which is an increase of about 40% compared to the previous IIICF. The combination of exhibitions and forums is expected to enhance communication and business matching. In terms of online activities, aside from video speeches and online attendance of overseas guests, live-steaming and broadcasting will also be available to enhance the interaction among online and offline participants, and the influence of the event.
Focusing on new opportunities for green development
According to Chairman Fang, by far, this year’s IIICF focuses on financial innovation and the combination of industry and finance, new opportunities and challenges in the context of “dual carbon” goals, and new development momentum, to help facilitate the transformation and upgrading of the industry and to tap the markets in key regions and countries. Chairman Fang also mentioned that the 12th IIICF will send a clear signal to the outside world that Macao’s MICE industry is recovering at an accelerated pace and that Macao’s economy and society are stable. It will also convey China’s confidence in further spurring the international infrastructure co-operation.
Jointly promoting industrial-financial co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries
President Lau remarked that this year’s IIICF will continue to diversify its Macao elements. As Macao constantly extends its functions as a co-operation platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, in line with the new developments of Macao’s financial sector, Macao is expected to play a larger role in the industrial-financial co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. During the 12th IIICF, parallel forums will be held to discuss relevant issues. Building on the position of Macao as a co-operation platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, “The Belt and Road Infrastructure Development Index 2021” and “The Belt and Road Infrastructure Development Index Report 2021”, which will be released on the first day of the Forum, continue to include analysis relevant to Portuguese-speaking countries and assessments of the development prospects and investment opportunities for co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries in the field of infrastructure, in order to support companies from Mainland China and Macao in exploring the markets in Portuguese-speaking countries.
To ensure participants’ health and safety, the organisers have formulated a series of measures based on Macao’s regulations and guidelines on pandemic prevention and control and the suggestions of international MICE organisations, including preparing sufficient medical supplies, designing contingency plans, and strictly implementing temperature checks and on-site disinfection.
Since relocating from Beijing to Macao in 2012, the IIICF has been staged in Macao for nine consecutive years. More forum details are available at www.iiicf.org.
