Forum Macau aims to strengthen role as China-PLP trade hub

Ji Xianzheng [ Photo; Renato Marques]

The Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (PLPs) – Macau (Forum Macau) aims to continue along the path set in 2025 and to further promote Macau’s role as a platform between China and the PLPs.

The goal was noted by the secretary-general of Forum Macau, Ji Xianzheng, during a Spring Lunch held yesterday for the media.

Following the activities carried out in 2025, Ji said that it is Forum Macau’s intention to continue promoting exchange activities, mutual visits to mainland China and the PLPs, and to extend the cultural week to the mainland.

Ji remarked that 2025 “was a year of intense and very concrete work for the Permanent Secretariat. We have actively and orderly followed up on the tasks set out in the 2024 and 2017 Action Plan for Economic and Trade Cooperation, approved at the 6th Ministerial Meeting, and all major work has progressed steadily.”

The secretary-general also added that in the area of trade and investment, Forum Macau “has received more than 100 delegations throughout the year, including seven from ministerial and provincial leaders from mainland China, and nine from senior representatives of the PLPs, including a head of state.”

Ji also noted the supplementary activities taking place at the Forum Macau headquarters, saying that “it has become a must-visit stop for delegations from all over the world visiting Macau.”

In addition, continuing his review of 2025, the secretary-general noted the signing of cooperation agreements with Heilongjiang and Qinghai provinces, which aim to expand cooperation between the provinces and other regions of China and the Portuguese-speaking world.

Regarding talks and conferences, Forum Macau organized five such events in 2025, focusing on tourism, the blue economy, infrastructure development, the digital economy, and the empowerment of small and medium-sized enterprises. These activities included participation from 86 officials and technicians from the 10 PLPs and China.

Lastly, he highlighted that the 17th Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries was extended to the mainland for the first time, with activities held in Beijing and Zhongshan, a development he highly praised and said should continue this year.