A high-level symposium and an exhibition opened in Macau yesterday to mark the 20th founding anniversary of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), also known as Forum Macao.
Edmund Ho Hau Wah, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, Central People's Government Liaison Office Director Zheng Xincong and Foreign Ministry Commissioner Liu Xianfa as well as other senior local and central government officials and representatives of the Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs), attended the launch ceremony at the Forum Macao Complex in Nam Van.
Ho Iat Seng said in his speech that the forum has fully leveraged Macau's unique advantages in linking China with PSCs and effectively promoted exchanges and cooperation between the two sides, focusing on economic and trade cooperation.
The forum, which comprises China and nine PSCs, has served as an important platform and link for China and the PSCs to carry out mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation during the past two decades, gradually becoming a propeller for advancing all-round cooperation between the two sides, the chief executive underlined.
Ji Xianzheng, secretary-general of the forum's Permanent Secretariat, said the organisation has facilitated coordination between various parties to jointly improve the level of economic and trade cooperation between China and PSCs, having made tremendous achievements in trade, investment, industrial development, and people-to-people exchanges.
Cabo Verdean Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Regional Integration Rui Alberto de Figueiredo Soares suggested that the forum play a more active role, with a focus on areas such as cultural and tourism promotion, attracting investment, holding business meetings, and promoting market access.
The exhibition, which will end on December 20, reviews the development of the forum during the past two decades, and showcases the forum's contribution to the exchanges and cooperation between China and the PSCs.
The exhibition is held at the Forum Macao Complex.
The Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) was established by the People's Republic of China (PRC) on December 20, 1999.
– Xinhua, MPD
Caption: Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Ho Iat Seng addresses yesterday's launch ceremony of a high-level symposium and an exhibition marking the 20th founding anniversary of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), also known as Forum Macao, in Macau yesterday. – Xinhua
