Portuguese Minister of Economy meets CE and community representatives ahead of forum conference

Portugal’s Minister of Economy, Pedro Reis, over the weekend met the Chief Executive (CE), Ho Iat Seng, and representatives of the local Portuguese Community.

Reis and his delegation were briefed on Macau’s current development strategies, including the “1+4” economic diversification strategy as well as the development of the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

At the meeting, Ho remarked on the long-standing relations between China and Portugal, and Macau’s deep-rooted connections with Portugal.

The CE noted Macau’s role as a platform that has facilitated Portugal’s access to the mainland China market, including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

He also spoke on several topics raised with the previous Portuguese government when Ho visited the country last year.

Ho encouraged Portuguese companies to increase investment in Macau and expand their businesses to the GBA, particularly in the health sector.

The recently inaugurated Portuguese Economy Minister stated his high expectations for the Ministerial Conference (which continues until Tuesday), which he said would deepen relations between Portugal and China, and broaden the potential for bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Reis also noted Portugal’s interest in participating in Macau’s new developments, particularly in the financial industry.

The head of Portuguese government economy office also believed Macau will continue to assist Portuguese companies in their participation in the development of the GBA and entering the mainland market.

He said tourism and exhibition were important industries in Portugal, and in recent years, Portugal had hosted various major exhibitions.

He hoped there could be opportunities in these fields with Macau and the mainland, particularly for joint organization of large-scale exhibition projects, promoting cultural exchanges and economic development.

The meeting with the CE came ahead of the Portuguese delegation’s attendance at the 6th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries -Macau.

Different official, repeated complaints

In a separate meeting, held at the Consulate-General of Portugal, Reis gathered with representatives of the Portuguese community, where he heard about several concerns that have been on the agenda.

These included the pensions of former civil servants linked to the Portuguese system as well as broader topics that affect the whole community.

He heard there is a lack of staff to process the many requests for the renewal of Portuguese passports and identity cards, as well as other services.

Also discussed was the issuance of visas for both Chinese citizens to visit Portugal as well as Portuguese citizens to easily access the mainland, a statement from the Council of Portuguese Communities from China Circle noted.

The Economy Minister said the complaints would be forwarded to the relevant people in the new Portuguese government.

He also highlighted the role of the Portuguese living and working in Macau, nothing that their presence contributed to the continued Portuguese presence in Macau.