Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai stated on April 21 (Lisbon time) that the visit to Portugal had deepened the traditional friendship between Macau and the European country and strengthened cooperation in multiple areas, with results deemed positive and in line with the established objectives.
Among the main outcomes of the visit was the signing of 61 cooperation agreements, covering sectors such as the Sino-Portuguese platform, trade and economy, cutting-edge technology, tourism, education, “big health” (integrated healthcare), conventions and exhibitions, culture, and sports.
The official assured that, upon returning to Macau, the Government will monitor the execution of these projects, defining specific tasks to ensure their effective implementation.
Earlier that morning, Sam Hou Fai met with key Portuguese officials, including the President of the Republic, the President of the Assembly of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and the President of the Supreme Court of Justice.
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During the meetings, he presented the results of the implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle in Macau, highlighted the region’s role as a bridge between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries, and highlighted the development opportunities in the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
The Portuguese counterparts recognized Macau’s strategic importance in the Sino-Portuguese partnership and expressed openness to deepening cooperation, according to the Chief Executive.
The Chief Executive also held meetings with members of the Portuguese government, specifically in the areas of Foreign Affairs, Economy, and Justice, where they discussed ways to intensify collaboration in fields such as trade, tourism, the legal system, training of bilingual professionals, financial services, and technological innovation.
Both sides agreed to leverage Macau’s platform to facilitate the joint expansion of companies into Portuguese-Speaking Countries, while Portugal positions itself as a gateway to European, African, and Latin American markets.
Read also: Sam Hou Fai outlines integration goals between Hengqin and Macau
On the economic front, plans are in place to create a business communication platform designed to strengthen exchanges between companies in Macau, Mainland China, and Portugal, building on the results achieved during the visit.
Regarding Portuguese language education, Sam Hou Fai emphasized that the number of institutions and young people studying Portuguese has reached historic levels in the Macau SAR, a development recognized by Portuguese authorities, who encourage the continuation of this investment.
During his stay, the Chief Executive also met with Macau students in Portugal, highlighting their role in bridging cultures and in the region’s future development. He also participated in various institutional initiatives included in the visit’s program.
In his final assessment, Sam Hou Fai noted that the visit strengthened mutual understanding, consolidated the historic friendship, and opened new prospects for cooperation between Macau and Portugal, expressing confidence that the partnership will continue to evolve and contribute to the deepening of relations between China and Portugal.
