Vice Premier unveils 8 new measures to bolster co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries

Chinese Vice Premier Mr Wang Yang announced eight new measures to help developing Portuguese-speaking countries and to promote Sino-Portuguese ties in his keynote speech at the 4th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries which opened in Macao this morning. The eight measures are: First, the Chinese government will continue to provide RMB1.8 billion in concessional loans to Asian and African members of the Forum in order to support their economic and social development, with priority given to infrastructure facilities and production projects. Second, the Chinese government will share its successful experience with Portuguese­speaking countries in the development of special economic zones and development zones, encourage Chinese companies to establish overseas trade and economic co-operation zones in interested Portuguese-speaking countries on the principle of independent decision-making and market-driven operation, and work together with these countries to advance the development of the co-operation zones. Third, the Chinese government will help build one education and training facility, provide one set of radio, television and media equipment, and develop one solar lighting project for each Asian and African member of the Forum. Fourth, the Chinese government stands ready to strengthen its co-operation and exchanges with Portuguese-speaking countries in human resources development based on the respective advantages of the participating countries of the Forum. China will arrange training sessions in China for 2,000 people in various fields from Asian and African members of the Forum, including programmes for working postgraduates. China will also bring into full play Macao's role as a platform for co-operation and carry out training in these countries according to their actual needs. Fifth, the Chinese government will provide a total of 1,800 scholarships to Portuguese­speaking countries to encourage and support student exchanges between the two sides. Sixth, the Chinese government will continue its exchanges and co-operation with Portuguese-speaking countries in medicine and health, and send another 210 medical professionals to Asian and African members of the Forum in the next three years. Seventh, an information-sharing platform to be based in Macao for bilingual talent and business cooperation, exchange and interaction between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, will be set up to facilitate exchange and co-operation among talent and businesses in all sectors. Eighth, based on the Forum's mission to promote co-operation and common development of all participating countries, and with full respect for their willingness, the Chinese government will discuss trilateral co-operation projects with Portuguese­speaking countries with the priority on education and training, agriculture, environmental protection, and new energy, so as to promote economic development in all participating countries. In closing, Mr Wang said the Forum has greatly enhanced the development of trade and economic co-operation between China and Lusophone countries over the past decade. The Vice Premier also recognised Macao's role as a trade and services platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries over the same period.