[2020/12/03] Parallel Forums of IIICF Successfully Conclude

Six parallel forums were held during the 11^th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, covering topics including international infrastructure development, finance, technology, and talent cultivation. Discussions were also made on infrastructure co-operation between China, Europe and Africa, the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, economic and trade co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and more. Many participants shared leading-edge views at the forums.

Connectivity in the Greater Bay Area Triggers Opportunities for Infrastructure Co-operation

During the parallel forum “Construction of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area — Challenges and Opportunities of Macao Construction Industry”, guests discussed hot topics such as the development plan for infrastructure connectivity in the Greater Bay Area, the opportunities, challenges and innovation in co-operation models brought about by regional economic development to infrastructure co-operation, and how Macao can play an active role in cross-border infrastructure development. Vice-Chairman of the China International Contractors Association Yu Xiaohong, noted in her speech that the Greater Bay Area is one of the most open and economically dynamic regions in China. The increasingly frequent trade contacts, personnel exchanges and large capital flows in neighbouring regions have not only set higher requirements for the capacity of cross-border infrastructure, but also offered new opportunities for regional infrastructure co-operation.

According to Vice-President of the China Harbour Engineering Company Limited Wu Di, the opportunities for Macao’s construction industry are to be found in the Greater Bay Area and Hengqin. He put forward four suggestions for Macao’s construction businesses to gain a foothold in the Greater Bay Area: First, seizing the trends in new infrastructure construction and building a smart city. Second, adhering to new development concepts and forging ahead toward green and sustainable development. Third, enhancing construction businesses’ adaptability by meeting Macao’s diversified development needs. Fourth, leveraging development opportunities in Hengqin and seeking co-operation and mutual development.

Strengthening Economic and Trade Co-operation Between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries in the Post-Pandemic Era

To spur China and Portuguese-speaking countries to join their efforts in the post-pandemic era, deepen their co-operation in economy and trade, and help accelerate the recovery of economic and social development of all parties, representatives of Mainland China, Portuguese-speaking countries and Macao gathered at the “Portuguese Speaking Countries Investment Promotion Seminar” to share business information of their regions and jointly explore a new model of mutual benefit and win-win co-operation. Deputy Secretary-General of the Permanent Secretariat of Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao) Ding Tian, pointed out that infrastructure projects entail long investment cycles, large amount of capital, and rigorous technical requirements. In most cases, co-operation among the international community is indispensable to large-scale infrastructure construction. Infrastructure has always been a traditional and key area of co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. The long-term successful co-operation experience in transportation, communications, water conservancy, power and other construction fields has brought tangible benefits to all parties.

During the seminar, representatives of Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor Leste, through online and offline methods, explained the local investment environment and opportunities, including local development plans, development plans, key investment collaboration projects, achievements and demonstration cases of Portuguese-speaking countries.