Gov’t says city links China to Lusophone countries in technological development

Macau is strategically well placed to connect China and Lusophone countries in the field of technology, Tai Kin Ip, director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT), said.

The bureau recently hosted a forum to discuss technological development in Macau. The event saw attendees from both China and Lusophone countries.

In his speech, Tai highlighted the countries which are supporting Macau in benefitting from the special advantages of the One Country, Two Systems Principle and the close relationship between China and Lusophone countries.

Developing sophisticated and innovative technologies is a way to “adequately diversify” the city’s economy, a goal that Beijing has directed the SAR government to pursue.

As such, Macau should make use of the bi-lateral free trade agreements to further all areas of Sino-Lusophone cooperation.

On the same occasion, representatives from Brazil and Portugal, who spoke via video-link, stressed that Lusophone countries possess excellent resources for science and innovation.

They showcased eight incubators and 20 start-ups to represent the scientific and innovative power of the two countries. They stressed that businesses in the two countries are greatly interested in the Chinese market.

It is hoped that Macau will play an effective mediatory role in helping Brazilian and Portuguese businesses to enter the Chinese market, as well as to achieve technological progress through collaborating with businesses and institutions on the mainland.

Other representatives from the Zhuhai government, the University of Macau, PwC Consultancy and the Macau Young Entrepreneur Incubation Center also shared their ideas with the forum.