Macau Forum's role complements CPLP objectives, says official
Ji Xianzheng, Secretary-General of the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao Forum), stated that Macau's role as a service platform for commercial cooperation strengthens ties among Portuguese-speaking countries and opens new avenues with China. He emphasized direct contact with the CPLP's executive secretariat, noting the regular attendance of the CPLP executive secretary at the Forum's Ministerial Conference and visits by the CPLP Business Confederation to the Permanent Secretariat. While no formal institutional link exists, Ji highlighted that their complementary efforts yield concrete benefits. Any more structured institutional approach, he explained, depends on the will of the Forum's 10 participants: China and the nine Portuguese-speaking countries. The Forum, established in 2003, aims to enhance economic and trade cooperation. Its Permanent Secretariat includes Ji, along with three deputy secretaries-general representing Timor-Leste, China, and Macau. The Forum's members are China and the CPLP nations: Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste. Guinea-Bissau, currently suspended from CPLP activities, remains a Forum member. Ministerial Conferences, held triennially, approve Joint Action Plans guiding cooperation for the subsequent three years, ensuring stable progress. The 7th Ministerial Conference is anticipated in the first half of 2027. Ji also noted the Forum's effective role as a liaison between mainland China and Portuguese-speaking countries, fostering direct and regular cooperation. Despite China designating Macau as a bridge to Portuguese-speaking nations, the region's leader, Sam Hou Fai, has expanded this role to include 21 Spanish-speaking countries. Ji clarified that the Permanent Secretariat has not received formal directives regarding the inclusion of Spanish-speaking countries but is open to collaboration aligned with the Forum's scope and China's central government guidance.
This statement from the Macao Forum's Secretary-General highlights a strategic initiative by China to leverage Macau as a conduit for economic and trade engagement with Portuguese-speaking nations. The Forum's operational model, characterized by triennial Ministerial Conferences and Joint Action Plans, appears designed for steady, incremental progress in bilateral relations. The assertion of complementary efforts, despite a lack of formal institutional ties with the CPLP, suggests a pragmatic approach to fostering cooperation. However, the potential expansion to include Spanish-speaking countries, as indicated by Macau's regional leadership, introduces a new dynamic. This diversification could broaden economic opportunities but may also complicate governance and dilute the Forum's original linguistic and cultural focus. The future trajectory will likely depend on balancing China's geopolitical interests with the collective will and specific economic needs of all participating nations, navigating potential shifts in regional influence and resource allocation.
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