A high-level delegation of over 60 representatives from the Union of Portuguese Language Capital Cities (UCCLA) concluded a visit to the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin on April 14.
The delegation, representing 35 cities and international organizations from nations including Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Portugal, and São Tomé and Príncipe, focused on Hengqin's smart city advancements and the deepening of economic ties between China and Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs).
The visit featured an extensive tour of Hengqin’s technological landmarks, including the Service Centre for Economy and Trade between China and Portuguese/Spanish-speaking Countries, the Hengqin International Digital Intelligence Talent Training Base, and specialized firms like Zhuhai Amicro Semiconductor.
"The cooperation network of Lusophone cities is entering a new economic phase," said Luís Miguel Gavinhos, Mayor of Fundão, Portugal. Known as a major cherry-producing region with established ties to Macao, Fundão is now looking to Hengqin for technological inspiration.
Mayor Gavinhos expressed a strong interest in partnering with Chinese tech giants like Huawei to bridge local institutions with the Chinese market, citing Hengqin's autonomous driving and infrastructure as exemplary examples.
The sentiment was echoed by António Lucas, Municipal Director of Inspection of Catete, Angola, who lauded the service concepts of the Economic and Trade Service Center.
He identified electronic networks and the internet as high-potential sectors for future bilateral cooperation, stating that Angola would evaluate Hengqin’s solutions to determine the most suitable development path for its own domestic needs.
The event culminated in a symposium, where nearly 80 representatives from the delegation and Chinese enterprises discussed smart mobility, interactive technology, and financial security.
Beyond technical exchange, the event also achieved a significant legal milestone: eight overseas institutions signed an initiative on promoting cross-border arbitration cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.
This brings the total number of signatories to over 80, marking a major step forward in establishing a standardized legal framework for international trade and investment within the Lusophone world.
Reporter | Guo Chuhua
Photo | Hengqin Online
