Sam meets Portugal’s economy minister, SAR eyes new investments from Portuguese companies
Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai and Portugal’s Minister of Economy Manuel Castro Almeida discussed deeper cooperation in science, technology, and tourism, aligning with Macau’s strategic goals for economic diversification and ‘high-quality development’
By José Carlos Matias, in Lisbon
The Macau SAR is eager to see more Portuguese companies establish a foothold in the city and the neighbouring Hengqin Cooperation Zone, Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai told Portugal’s Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion at a meeting held on Monday in Lisbon.
The meeting took place on the third day of Sam’s four-day visit to Portugal.
Noting that “Portugal possesses competitive advantages in sectors such as science and technology, education, tourism, and conventions and exhibitions,” the Chief Executive said he looked forward to further expanding exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in these fields, “establishing a platform for coordination, and strengthening mutual collaboration.”
These are among the designated industries for Macau’s economic diversification and the joint development of the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
Minister Manuel Castro Almeida stressed that Portuguese enterprises are continuing to expand their operations in Macau, taking advantage of the city’s role as a bridge between China and Portugal. He also praised the implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle, noting that the achievement of social stability, economic prosperity, and development was plain for all to see.
After their bilateral meeting, Sam and Minister Castro Almeida met with representatives of the business delegation accompanying the Chief Executive on his visit to Portugal. The discussions focused on establishing stronger institutional links and creating a multifaceted platform for exploring new business opportunities, particularly aimed at integrating Portuguese expertise with the developmental potential of the Greater Bay Area and Hengqin.
Monday’s agenda was packed for the Macau Chief Executive, starting with morning meetings with the Portuguese Minister of Justice, Rita Alarcão Júdice, and the Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Manuel Castro Almeida. Following a late-afternoon reception, Sam Hou Fai met with Portugal’s Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel. Earlier in the day, the Chief Executive also visited the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Portugal.
On Tuesday, the final day of his visit to Portugal, Sam will hold high-level meetings with the Portuguese President, António José Seguro; Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro; Speaker of Parliament, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco; and the country’s top judge, João Cura Mariano.
Sam Hou Fai departs for Madrid on Tuesday afternoon, where he is set to join the “Macau Night”, capping the “Experience Macau” roadshow held by the Macau Government Tourism Office in the Spanish capital. Sam is slated to meet the Second Vice-President of the Government and Minister of Labour and Social Economy, Yolanda Díaz, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.
The Chief Executive travels to Geneva on Thursday to meet with the Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization. On Friday, he heads to Brussels—the last leg of his European tour—for meetings with the European Parliament and senior officials of the European External Action Service.
