[2024/06/20] 15th IIICF Releases Two Index Reports Highlighting Macao’s Role in Supporting China’s “Belt and Road” Construction
During the 15th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF), “The Report on the Belt and Road Infrastructure Development Index (2024)” and “The Report on Portuguese-speaking Countries’ Infrastructure Development Index and Macao’s Achievements in Belt and Road Initiative (2024)” were released. These two reports provide an in-depth analysis of the trends in the global infrastructure sector, with the aim of participating in and contributing to “Belt and Road” construction and fulfilling Macao’s role as a platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs).
The reports thoroughly analyse the infrastructure development in 76 Belt and Road countries and nine Portuguese-speaking countries from the perspectives of development environment, demand, intensity, and costs. This comprehensive analysis reflects the status and trends of infrastructure development in these countries, while summarising the Macao SAR’s efforts to align with national strategies to advance “Belt and Road” construction.
Nearly 90% of “Belt and Road” countries showing rising indices
“The Report on the Belt and Road Infrastructure Development Index (2024)” shows a slight increase in the overall infrastructure development index to 119, maintaining parity with the 2019 level. Notably, nearly 90% of the participating countries show an upward trend in their indices, with Southeast Asia continuing to hold a leading position. Demand for transport and energy infrastructure remains robust, with over 900 ongoing projects in these sectors in the 76 participating countries, valued at more than US$168 billion. Infrastructure projects related to industrial upgrading, manufacturing transformation and import-export trade, such as mine development, industrial premises, ports, and economic and trade co-operation zones, have been identified as priority areas for support. Furthermore, all parties have been strengthening financing co-operation to accelerate the green and low-carbon transformation of infrastructure.
Macao’s positive role in supporting China’s “Belt and Road” construction as a China-PSCs platform
This year, “The Report on Portuguese-speaking Countries’ Infrastructure Development Index and Macao’s Achievements in Belt and Road Initiative (2024)” was again independently released. The report highlights the positive role of Macao as a China-PSCs platform in supporting the country’s implementation of the “Belt and Road” Initiative, and puts forward three development suggestions: to consolidate the current positive development trends, to accelerate the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Co-operation Zone in Hengqin, and to leverage the Macao SAR’s unique advantages to better participate in “Belt and Road” construction.
The infrastructure development index for Portuguese-speaking countries has maintained a growth trend for five consecutive years, with a constantly increasing demand for infrastructure development. Brazil, Angola and Mozambique rank highest in the index. International contractors are increasingly enthusiastic about participating in infrastructure projects in Portugal, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe, while private capital remains focused on the renewable energy market in Brazil and Mozambique.
“The Report on the Belt and Road Infrastructure Development Index (2024)” and “The Report on Portuguese-speaking Countries’ Infrastructure Development Index and Macao’s Achievements in Belt and Road Initiative (2024)” can be viewed and downloaded at http://www.iiicf.org/.
“The Report on the Belt and Road Infrastructure Development Index (2024)” and “The Report on Portuguese-speaking Countries’ Infrastructure Development Index and Macao’s Achievements in Belt and Road Initiative (2024)” are released today.
QR codes to download the two index reports released at the 15th IIICF.
