A delegation from the Union of Portuguese-Speaking Capital Cities (UCCLA), comprising more than 60 representatives from 35 cities and international organizations, visited the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin on April 14 to examine smart city projects and strengthen economic and trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.
The visit focused on Hengqin’s progress in areas such as smart mobility, industry-education integration, and technological innovation, with Hengqin being presented as a model for sustainable urban development in Portuguese-speaking countries.
During the program, the delegation visited the China-Portuguese and Spanish-Speaking Countries Economic and Trade Service Center, the digital talent training base, technology companies, and infrastructure, such as the utility tunnel, in addition to experiencing autonomous transportation solutions.
The participants highlighted the value of the technological solutions implemented in Hengqin, noting that they can serve as a model for Portuguese-speaking cities in areas such as urban governance, the digital economy, and smart mobility.
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The mayor of Fundão, Luís Miguel Gavinhos, stated that cooperation among Portuguese-speaking cities is evolving into an economic dimension, highlighting the potential for connecting markets and the interest in technological partnerships with Chinese companies.
Representatives from Angola emphasized the practical value of the visit, pointing to the Service Center as a model for future collaborations, particularly in areas such as digital networks and technological infrastructure.
As part of the initiative, an economic and commercial seminar was also held, bringing together around 80 participants, where investment opportunities and cooperation between Chinese companies and those from Portuguese-speaking countries were discussed.
The Director of Administrative Affairs for the Cooperation Zone, Carmen Maria Chung, highlighted Macau’s role as a connecting platform, emphasizing its competitive tax regime and the availability of specialized talent in the legal and linguistic fields.
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She also highlighted Hengqin’s specific advantages, including preferential tax policies and investment facilitation mechanisms, which position the zone as a gateway for Portuguese-speaking companies entering the Chinese market.
Chinese companies presented solutions in smart mobility, digital interaction, and financing, with Portuguese-speaking representatives expressing interest in deepening cooperation in these sectors.
The initiative also included the signing of a cooperation proposal on cross-border arbitration between institutions in China and Portuguese-speaking countries, strengthening investment support mechanisms.
The visit highlighted Hengqin’s growing role as a strategic platform for international cooperation, consolidating its position as a bridge between China and the Portuguese-speaking world.
