“In the post-pandemic era, more and more Brazilian entrepreneurs eye Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone as a hot destination for investment. The construction of a China-Portuguese Speaking Countries (PSCs) Trade Center will open a new window for Brazilian entrepreneurs to invest in China.”

Yuan Lie, Founder of Sino-LAC Holding Group (Photo provided to Newsgd.com)

Yuan Lie is the founder of Sino-LAC Holding Group, who has long been committed to economic and trade cooperation between China and Latin America, with a wide knowledge of Latin American market.

China has issued the general plan for building the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin recently. Yuan Lie shared his views on this plan in an exclusive interview with Newsgd.com & GDToday.

Financial services and gemstone industry embrace broad prospects

GDToday: According to the Plan, the cooperation zone will develop new industries to help promote Macao's economic diversification. What new opportunities do you think the zone will bring to the PSCs?

Yuan Lie: According to the Plan, China-PSCs international trade center and an international hub port for digital trade will be built to facilitate the digital transformation of traditional trade. Sino-LAC Holding Group has been building platforms in Zhuhai and Macao for economic and trade cooperation between China and Latin American countries, which corresponds to the construction of the center.

Brazil is the largest and one of most influential country in Latin America, meantime the largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world. In January 2021, the bilateral trade between China and Brazil reached 10.55 billion USD, accounting for 80.26% of the total trade volume between China and PSCs. In the post-pandemic era, more Brazilian financial companies, funds, banks, and entrepreneurs want to come to China to invest in projects related to the two sides. The construction of China-PSCs international trade center will open a new window for them.

The gemstone and diamond industry is well-developed in Latin America, as can be seen in the emeralds and sapphires in Brazil, and Peruvian mines. In fact, Latin America can cooperate with China in high-end gemstones, and we are also exploring cooperation.

The advantages of "Macao + Zhuhai" will be in full swing

GDToday: Why did your company locate Sino-LAC economic and trading cooperation park in Hengqin?

Yuan Lie: Because Hengqin has unique advantages and potential in Sino-Latin America cooperation.

First of all, Hengqin-Macao cooperation is important in strategic positioning. Macao enjoys a close historical relationship with PSCs. Zhuhai, where Hengqin is located, is one of the core cities in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Secondly, Hengqin’s infrastructure improves constantly, such as Hengqin Area of Zhuhai in China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Gaolan Port Integrated Free Trade Zone, Zhuhai-Macao Cross-border Industrial Zone. In addition, Hengqin has an inland transportation and logistics network consisting of Zhuhai Airport, high-speed rails, highways and inland river transportation.

Last but not least, the Hengqin (Zhuhai) government shows great attention and strong support. That’s why 2017 China-Latin America and Caribbean International Exposition and 2018 China-Latin America Entrepreneur Summit can be held successfully. Sino-LAC economic and trading cooperation park was completed in Hengqin, and relevant measures were released to promote the construction of the China-Latin America economic and trading platform.

GDToday: Would you mind introducing any new strategic layouts or plans for you company following the trend of deepening development of this zone?

Yuan Lie: In the field of financial services, we plan to set up a fund in the zone specifically for exchange and cooperation between China and Latin America, so as to attract capital, and boost bilateral capital exchange.

We will give full play to the favorable location and policy of "Macao + Zhuhai", integrate high-quality resources and advantageous fields between two places, so as to build a core platform for China-Latin America all-round cooperation, and build "Macao + Zhuhai" into a key link for cooperation between China, especially the Greater Bay Area and Latin America.

At the same time, we will set up the first China-Latin America cooperation platform with the theme of innovative cooperation, covering economic, trade and cultural exchange, talent education, tourism and leisure industries. This platform is oriented to Brazil and Latin America, focusing on collaboration in goods and service trading, culture, education and sports.

Reporter| Keane

Author| Hannah Zhou, Huang Yanting (intern)

Editor| Wing, Jerry

Poster| Mia