“The challenges are many, often at the level of diplomatic relations, exports, imports – some adjustments need to be made,” admitted João Moura to journalists. Moura is representing the government at the 30th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) and the 2nd China-Portuguese Speaking Countries Economic and Trade Cooperation Exhibition (C-PLPEX), which are being held simultaneously in Macao.
In parallel, the International Agricultural Expo China-Portuguese Speaking Countries is being organized for the first time.
These events, the official highlighted, are “a great window of opportunities” to refine “some edges.”
“We often have differing interpretations between markets as distinct as Portugal and China, where food analysis and control have their differences, their strengths. Therefore, there is nothing better than talking, sitting at the table to try to address some of these difficulties and adversities,” he added.
Portugal, the Secretary of State mentioned, has “several ideas” and “several products with great potential,” notably dried fruits, pork, olive oil, and wine. “We have many opportunities for Portuguese products with great acceptance in China,” he stated.
“We have products with great export capacity, with great worldwide acceptance, and therefore, the Chinese market is a very significant interest for us,” he affirmed.
Conversely, he declared that he felt in Macao “a great interest from China” in Portugal, not only concerning exports but also regarding the “internationalization of some Chinese companies.”
Companies in the fields of technology, machinery, or equipment in the area of agriculture were mentioned by João Moura, without providing additional details about these companies.
“They are very interested in the development of some sectors of our agriculture, and we are open to receiving,” he concluded.
In a speech during the Round Table of Small and Medium Enterprises of China and Portuguese Speaking Countries, the Portuguese representative emphasized Macao’s “crucial role” as a connecting platform, noting that the territory’s geographical and cultural position makes it “a point of convergence between the East and the West,” facilitating trade and investment.
“In turn, Portugal has, in the global context, a strategic position that interconnects the Eastern world and the American continent, not forgetting the African continent. These more agile and integrative platforms foster and provide trade exchanges and the growth of new businesses,” he said.
A survey published in May this year by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China concluded that European companies are cutting costs and reducing investment plans in the Asian country as the economy slows, and fierce competition drives prices down.
“Faced with a series of challenges – including the persistence of regulatory and market access barriers, rising geopolitical tensions, price deflation, low domestic consumption, and reduced margins – the Chamber members’ optimism regarding short and medium-term prospects is now at a historically low level,” the report accompanying the survey results states.
