[2020/11/30] The 11th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum to Be Held This Wednesday and Thursday Combining Online and Offline Elements to Promote Mutually Beneficial Co-operation in Infrastructure Construction

The 11^th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF), co-organised by the China International Contractors Association and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, will be held at The Venetian Macao from 2 to 3 December, themed “Responding to Challenges and Promoting Global Infrastructure Development”. The Forum will exploit online and offline resources, to discuss the latest opportunities and challenges faced by the international infrastructure co-operation, the trends of international infrastructure markets in the post-pandemic era, and sustainable global infrastructure development, among others.

The organisers of the IIICF held a press conference today (30 November). President of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute Lau Wai Meng, and Chairman of the China International Contractors Association Fang Qiuchen, introduced their preparatory work. This year, more than 30 forums and thematic events will be arranged. At the same time, the “Belt and Road Infrastructure Development Index (2020)” and the “Annual Report on the Belt and Road Infrastructure Development Index (2020)” will also be published, in a bid to provide necessary statistical support and reference for relevant parties to participate in the infrastructure investment and construction under the “Belt and Road” Initiative.

Highlighting infrastructure innovation and development to promote mutually beneficial co-operation

At the press conference, Mr Fang introduced the progress of the preparations for the IIICF. He noted that a wealth of forum-themed activities would be offered in two days. In addition to the opening ceremony, keynote speeches and keynote forums, the 6^th China-LAC Infrastructure Forum sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China will also be held again concurrently with this year’s IIICF.

Moreover, as Mr. Fang mentioned, seven parallel forums and related events will be arranged to discuss the following topics: leading the new development of international infrastructure co-operation through innovation, and the “power of innovation” in the new era, new stage and new development pattern; centring on the markets in key countries and regions, and promoting higher-level, higher-quality and sustainable infrastructure projects; spurring innovation and co-operation in the cultivation of local vocational talents in international projects, highlighting the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and aligning with engineering enterprises in Macao; and giving full play to the advantages of the Macao platform to serve Macao’s economic and social development. It is expected to boost mutually beneficial cooperation in key fields among industries.

Giving full play to the advantages of the Macao platform and facilitating infrastructure development

Mr Lau said at the press conference that in order to further support the sustainable development of the infrastructure sector in Macao, more Macao elements would be featured in the IIICF. The “Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area” has been implemented for nearly two years. In pursuit of high-quality development, the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Co-operation Zone and cross-border infrastructure connectivity are becoming priorities of the construction field. Infrastructure will also be a key area for Macao’s economic development in the next few years. As such, one of the parallel forums this year will focus on “Construction of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area — Challenges and Opportunities of Macao Construction Industry” to explore the opportunities brought about by regional economic development to infrastructure co-operation and how Macao can play an active role in it. To leverage Macao’s role as the Commercial and Trade Co-operation Service Platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, the 6^th China-LAC Infrastructure Forum and Portuguese Speaking Countries Investment Promotion Seminar will also be held. Guests from Portuguese-speaking countries as well as European and Latin American countries will deliver video speeches to promote international participation in the Forum in an innovative way.

In addition, Mr Lau stressed that in order to properly carry out pandemic prevention and control throughout the IIICF and ensure the health and safety of all parties, the organisers would strictly follow relevant local regulations and national plans for pandemic prevention and control. They also maintained close contact with the health department of Macao and formulated prevention and control measures. During the Forum, sufficient anti-epidemic supplies will be provided, disinfection measures and on-site hygiene guidelines will be in place, and contingency plans have been drawn up to tackle unexpected health conditions of the personnel.

Since 2012, the IIICF has been held in Macao for eight consecutive years. More forum details are available at www.iiicf.org.