Lusophone ties to increase with cooperation fund headquarters move

Susana Chou (center)

During a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and people from different sectors of the community held at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, Susana Chou – a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference – told Li that there are some difficulties involved in introducing state-owned (PRC-owned) companies to Portuguese-speaking countries. She added that these companies will most likely experience financial difficulties.
Li replied that he had announced that the headquarters of the Fund for Cooperation Between China and the Portuguese-Speaking Countries will be moved from Beijing to Macau.
The fund (with USD1 billion at its disposal) was announced in Macau in 2010 by former Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and was established in 2013. Only two projects, with a combined worth of USD125 million, have been approved to date.
Li suggested that Macau could establish blueprints for cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. He added that such plans rely on good conditions and that the Macau government can request support from the central government if necessary.
One of the event’s participants pointed out that the mainland government should increase its quota for Macau youths entering mainland Chinese universities under the recommendation system. China’s current system allows students to enter certain universities without taking exams. The participant also told Li that the central government should give Macau residents access to mainland TV shows.
Another participant asked Li to support all types of mainland enterprises that are considering expansion into Macau, emphasizing that the mainland could leverage Macau’s status as an international platform to reach a larger market.
At a meeting with local industry representatives, Li said that cars with Macau registration will be able to enter Hengqin by the end of this year.