Government sets up committee to promote ties between China and Portuguese-speaking countries

The Government has created a committee to push forward the role of Macao as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries (known as “Platform Policy”). The committee was set up by an Executive Order published today in the Macao SAR Gazette. The Committee for Development of the Commercial and Trade Cooperation Service Platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries will be responsible for drafting a development blueprint for Macao based on the Platform Policy. The advisory body will also conduct research related to the Platform Policy. It will additionally suggest guidelines on related matters. The Chief Executive will chair the new committee; the Secretary for Economy and Finance will be the vice chairperson, according to the Executive Order. The Platform Policy – endorsed by the Central Government – leverages on Macao’s unique position and aims to further contribute to China’s development. It is intended to offer mutual benefits to the mainland, the Portuguese-speaking countries and Macao. Macao’s achievements under the Platform Policy include: boosting cultural exchanges and trade between China and Portuguese-speaking countries; and providing assistance and consultancy services to involved parties in translation/interpretation and other language-related matters, finance, legal affairs and accounting. The next stage in implementing the Platform Policy – including the creation of the new committee – aims to increase resource efficiency in the public administration regarding Macao’s role as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.