The secretary general of the Luso-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bernardo Mendia, warns of the international rush to the Chinese market. In this sense, Portugal can benefit from the friendship it has with Macau, which was evidenced by the way in which the Chief Executive was received in Lisbon
What do you conclude from the trip? What went well and what could have gone better?
B.M. – We have no words to express the satisfaction with this trip (…) We saw what is for us the most important Chinese city to visit Portugal, and its leader was received at the highest level. The same can be said about the business and tourism delegation. There are more micro, but very promising exchanges that can be launched right now, without the need for lengthy government bureaucracies, therefore between trade associations, entrepreneurs and municipalities. Some were effectively launched and it is natural that practical results will now follow.
What can Macau offer Portugal? Conversely, what can Portugal offer Macao?
B.M. – Above all, and mutually, an unparalleled capital of trust. What unites us are 510 years of coexistence, it is also and still the Portuguese language, institutional dialogue and trust between peoples, as this trip has demonstrated. And, on a more practical level, a commercial and logistical entry point into China, in the same way that Portugal can be a gateway to Europe for Macau.
Do you feel that Portuguese businessmen are unaware of opportunities in Macau?
B.M. — No doubt knowledge is less than desirable. This trip was important in that sense, but the exchange effort must continue with more trips and interactions between the two parties, essential to publicize the opportunities that exist in Macau and vice versa. The Luso-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry is also working on organizing a trip to Macau, to take place between the 4th and 10th of June. We invite all interested parties to visit our website for more information.
And what about Greater Bay, is it still necessary to work on promoting this region in Portugal?
B.M. – Absolutely. This is a new project and mainly developed during the three years that China and Macau were closed. It is now important for the Greater Bay authorities to make an effort to publicize the area, either by organizing dissemination missions or by inviting Portuguese journalists to visit the region in order to promote it in Portugal.
We have seen a political discourse in Macau of protectionism of the local labor market. Could it be an obstacle to the entry of Portuguese capital?
B.M. – Of course, yes. One of the most important analysis components for expanding companies is the availability of qualified labor to develop their business plans. It is no coincidence that Hong Kong and several cities in the Greater Bay Area are making efforts to attract and facilitate the entry of qualified professionals. In this chapter, Macau still has a great deal of room for improvement in order to become more attractive to Portuguese companies or companies of any other nationality. It is no less important to remember that past experiences of labor market protectionism harm (…) the workers that it was intended to protect, due to the fact that they do not compete or live with those who can impart more knowledge to them, raising the very competitiveness of the economies where they operate.
How do you see the development of the Deep Cooperation Zone in Hengqin? Is it the right time or are there still “edges to be smoothed over” until this island represents opportunities for the Portuguese-speaking universe?
B.M. – This is an extension of Macao, opening spaces where the Macao SAR was previously unable to respond. On the other hand, it is a project defined and driven by Beijing, so it will only be a matter of time – and not long – until it is fully operational, as is the prerogative of the Central Government. In this sense, we recommend that companies have the conditions to advance in this new phase, where incentives still exist, and not when all companies are already established and the concept proven.
China and Portugal. What can these countries offer each other?
B.M. – In the next five years, China will contribute 23 percent of the world’s wealth created, according to the International Monetary Fund. A market of this scale is unparalleled in the world and is therefore of interest to all countries in the world. In this context, we compete with other economies in attracting Chinese investment and also in selling our products to Chinese consumers. We have recently seen some of the world’s main leaders taking a stand with China with official visits. Portugal must not be left behind in this race and must also pursue its interests and those of its companies, taking advantage of its good relationship with China.
Macau was entrusted by the Central Government with being the bridge between Lusophony and China. Are you playing that role? What has to improve?
B.M. – The architecture designed is excellent and the resources available are impressive, as evidenced by both Forum Macau and the Fund for PLPs. Where improvement is needed is on the ground and in the results obtained, in day-to-day business. It is not an easy task, I believe that it could involve a greater connection of those entities to Portuguese-speaking territories, eventually through mechanisms for identifying opportunities with the Chinese embassies in those countries, which in turn know the companies, municipalities and local governments.
