Forum featuring Macau’s cultural and creative industries has commenced

The Forum on Cultural Industries and the 9th International Conference on Cultural and Creative Industries Seminar took place yesterday at the Macau Science Center.
The mainland’s One Belt, One Road initiative was widely discussed during the event, as well as opportunities for Macau’s cultural industries.
The forum is in its second edition, having launched last year. The event results from the cooperation between the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association and the Institute for Cultural Industries of Peking University.
Lei Pui Lam, president of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Association, believes that Macau’s cultural and creative industries are still in the early stages of development. However, Lam is confident in the future of the industry.
“Macau is an important point of the Silk Road. It has a deep historical and cultural value, along with geographical advantages,” said Lam, adding that the government’s support and strong tourism sector, as well as investors and passionate young people, are assets to the industries.
Eusebi Nomen, strategic advisor of the Barcelona Centre de Disseny (BCD), considers water to be the key advantage for Macau, as “this is a specifically sensitive area [for China].”
Nomen added that if the city can improve its innovation indexes, better water management will be a reality. In return, Macau will receive great opportunities both economically and socially.
Carolina Quintana, coordinator of the Creative Economy Programme of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), also believes that “Macau, as the platform of collaboration of the neighboring area, will be a real asset [to the One Belt, One Road strategy].” She believes that Macau can provide more job opportunities through its connection with Asia.
Eleven innovation and cultural experts, who hailed mainly from Macau, were invited to speak at the forum, which attracted over 200 participants. Staff reporter