How do you view this distinction? What personal significance does it have?
Abdú Jaquité – This distinction, symbolized by the Merit Certificate and recognition, is for me an acknowledgment of the dedication and commitment to the services I provided in the performance of my duties. I take this opportunity to thank the Permanent Secretariat of the Macau Forum for this initiative and award, receiving it with pride on behalf of myself and my country. It is an honor, and its significance clearly reflects the exceptional hospitality and professionalism of all the members of the Permanent Secretariat.
I repeat: for me, it is a way to express recognition for my commitment during my 2024 term as the coordinator of the Office for the Countries of the Portuguese Language at the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and the Portuguese-Speaking Countries (Macau Forum).
In your opinion, what justifies this distinction?
A.J. – I believe this distinction serves as a motivation for future delegates and coordinators. It demonstrates the ability to recognize and the professionalism of the members of the Permanent Secretariat.
What was the reaction in Bissau? What effect might this have on relations with Macau?
A.J. – The Permanent Secretariat of the Macau Forum officially communicated the award of this merit certificate to the Government of Guinea-Bissau through governmental entities, namely the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Regional Integration, which is responsible for Macau Forum affairs in Guinea-Bissau; it was also communicated diplomatically. The reaction from the Government of Guinea-Bissau, as you can imagine, was one of great satisfaction, appreciation, and pride, as this recognition reflects the country’s commitment to the development of economic and trade relations between China and the Portuguese-speaking world. Regarding Macau, it demonstrates Macau’s role and its dynamics as a cooperation platform, fostering and developing common growth between inland China and the Portuguese-speaking countries.
Over more than two decades, how would you describe the relationship between Guinea-Bissau and the Sino-Portuguese platform?
A.J. – The relations between Guinea-Bissau and the Sino-Portuguese platform are among the best, with promising prospects for the future. Concrete results are evident in the significant increase in our trade exchanges with China; for this agricultural year, we will begin exporting cashew nuts from Guinea-Bissau to China, building various infrastructures, and starting the exploration of mineral resources such as bauxite and phosphate, among others.
Besides relations with China, does the platform in Macau also strengthen the relationship between the Portuguese-speaking countries?
A.J. – Of course. Using the Macau platform, particularly during the ministerial conferences held in Macau and also at various exhibitions within the Annual Activity Plan of the Permanent Secretariat. The Macau Forum creates opportunities for exchange for the authorities and the business world of the Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly through the Ministerial Conference and the Business Conference in Macau, as well as the rotating Business Cooperation Seminars.
There have been many criticisms of the CPLP’s role and the idea of a Lusophone bloc. Is China, at this point, the main driving force behind this idea? Is the idea of Lusophony now dependent on the importance that China gives to it?
A.J. – China, with its globally recognized economic potential as the second-largest economy in the world, with its Belt and Road Initiative and others, can certainly play an important role in strengthening and driving cooperation in the Lusophone space.
In the context of the “economic war” and the Beijing/Washington tension, to what extent does engagement with China harm relations with Washington? Do you feel pressure from U.S. diplomacy against China in Bissau?
A.J. – In the multilateral framework, there are economic instruments and cooperation standards defined by the appropriate institutions, such as the World Trade Organization, etc. In the bilateral context, states and economies come closer based on common interests.
There have been organizational changes within the Macau Forum, particularly with the new role of IPIM. What expectations does this raise for you?
A.J. – This raises many expectations, considering the vast experience of IPIM, the Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute. If IPIM is currently supporting the Permanent Secretariat, this is very welcome. The relationship portfolio, contacts, and the reach of IPIM concerning promotion, trade, and investment are quite significant.
The Macau Forum has been criticized for a lack of concrete results. Do you understand these criticisms? What strategies, in your opinion, could be followed to improve the results and perception of the Forum’s importance?
A.J. – Regarding this issue, as a delegate from a member country, I have a different opinion. If we analyze the trade statistics, investment, and infrastructure construction over the 21 years between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, we can undoubtedly conclude that the concrete results are immense and growing at impressive rates. The work carried out by the Permanent Secretariat, an institution with specific functions defined in its operational statute, has always been positively evaluated in the Annual Ordinary Meeting by the ten countries. The important thing is to promote the implementation of the Action Plan between all parties.
The new government of Sam Hou Fai has reaffirmed the importance of the Lusophone platform. Do you think this new cycle will open new doors for the project?
A.J. – I believe so; there will be new opportunities, particularly the strengthening of cooperation between China and the CPLP countries; and through these, to other markets. This is my personal opinion.
How important do you think Xi Jinping’s opening speech is in the relations between China and Lusophony and Macau’s role in this platform?
A.J. –For me, Xi Jinping’s speech gave clear guidelines on the platform and Macau’s role. I believe it should be leveraged to reinforce this growing dynamic.
