The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, briefs reporters in Lisbon on his six-day visit to the Portuguese Republic.
The Chief Executive Chui Sai On told the media today on 13 September that his visit to Portugal has proved fruitful, not only reaching a consensus on strengthening cooperation in economics and language education, but also demonstrating perfect liaison and coordination between the two parties, and realising good and friendly bilateral relations. Summarising his visit, Mr Chui said he had attended the Macao-Portugal Joint Committee meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic, and met the President of the Portuguese Republic, the Portuguese Prime Minister, and the Ambassador of the People Republic of China to the Portuguese Republic. During his meetings with the Portuguese president and prime minister, they both supported the consensus reached by the Macao-Portugal Joint Committee on strengthening cooperation in economics and language education. Mr Chui said that, from the committee meeting to the meetings of top officials, both parties reaffirmed the significance of maintaining a good relationship between Portugal and Macao. As a bridge, Macao helps to promote cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Macao has long been hosting the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, demonstrating its role as a platform for cooperation between China, Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries. According to Mr Chui, during the Macao-Portugal Joint Committee meeting both parties reviewed their work, and came to a consensus on strengthening future cooperation in language education and economics. Regarding language education, Macao will launch a pilot programme for training Portuguese-speaking professionals, with scholarships and subsidies for university students to study finance, accounting, law, medicine and engineering in Portugal. The scheme aims to support Macao’s five-year development plan, cultivate more talented bilingual people, further leverage Macao’s function as a cooperation platform between China and Portugal, and build a foundation for establishing the academic accreditation system. Furthermore, consideration will be given to establishing a special scholarship for subsidising outstanding Portuguese students to study in university programmes in Macao. In future, Macao and Portugal will also increase cooperation in professional Portuguese language training. Mr Chui said that, as a business and trade services platform, Macao has a great demand for bilingual professionals. He is glad that the Portuguese government has indicated their intention to support Macao’s language education development at tertiary and non-tertiary levels, through the provision of Portuguese or bilingual teachers. Upon returning to Macao, Mr Chui will meet relevant senior officials to discuss systematic implementation of the plan. Regarding economic cooperation, the Macao SAR Government reported it will implement the following: make use of the mechanism of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries to continue promoting economic and trade cooperation and exchanges between China and Portugal; facilitate and assist Portuguese enterprises to understand and benefit from the favourable policies in free trade zones in mainland China; and continue inviting Portuguese economics and trade departments and enterprises to participate in conventions and exhibitions in Macao, noting that Portugal has decided to be a partner country of this year’s Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF). The Government will also exchange views with Portugal on possible cooperation involving newly-founded enterprises and technology. Referring to the Fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries to be held next month, Mr Chui considered this will yield positive results, reflecting the forum’s function as a bridge for cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. Based on the solid foundation that has been established, the Government will put more effort into promoting Macao’s role as “one platform and three centres”. Mr Chui also said that, to support Macao’s development strategy of being a business and trade services platform, the Government is considering the possibility of developing a building that integrates various elements such as business and trade exchanges between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, enterprise services, convention and exhibition services, cultural presentations and professional training. The plan is still in the concept stage, and further details will be announced once it is confirmed to be viable.