Organized by the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao) and hosted by the City University of Macau (CityU), the closing ceremony and certificate presentation ceremony of the Colloquium on Ports and Logistics in the Digital Age for Portuguese-Speaking Countries was held at the Macau Tower. The event was attended by Ji Xianzheng, Secretary-General of Forum Macao; CityU’s Rector Jun Liu; and Herlander Rossi da Costa Medeiros, the rotating representative of the participants, who each delivered speeches.
Secretary-General Ji Xianzheng highlighted the successful organization of the 6th Ministerial Conference in Macao in April, where the Strategic Plan for Economic and Trade Cooperation was signed. He emphasized the aim of the plan to support port cooperation between Forum Macao and participating countries, promote talent cultivation in sea transportation, and encourage exchanges with maritime academies. He emphasized the colloquium’s objective of promoting mutual development between China and Portuguese-speaking countries through training sessions and port visits in Macao, Zhuhai, and Shenzhen, which allowed participants to learn about the practices and experiences of these cities. Secretary-General Ji highlighted the ongoing efforts to promote exchanges and cooperation with all Portuguese-speaking countries, facilitating infrastructure connectivity between the two sides.
Rector Jun Liu mentioned the colloquium’s aim to help participants acquire practical skills and understand the transformation that smart technologies are bringing to infrastructure and operational efficiency in ports and logistics. Through visiting leading enterprises such as smart port under the management of the China Merchants Group, Tencent, and SF Express in Shenzhen, participants gained valuable and innovative experiences. Rector Jun highlighted the important role of Macao as a platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, and CityU’s role in facilitating cooperation and partnerships between the two sides. He expressed hope for creating more opportunities for knowledge sharing and mutual development.
Rotating representative, Herlander Rossi da Costa Medeiros expressed gratitude to Forum Macao in making this colloquium possible and shared his learning experience to the audience. He mentioned the colloquium shared new technologies and high-efficiency services in port management and logistic allocation, bringing enriching and revolutionary experiences to all participants. He regarded the colloquium as a valuable opportunity to promote practice sharing and cooperation between mainland China, Macao, and the Portuguese-speaking countries, through a variety of theoretical lectures and field visits to leading enterprises in China.
This colloquium was the first colloquium held by the Training Center of Forum Macao this year. It was a two-week learning activity started from July 1st to 14th in Macao, Shenzhen, and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone. Fourteen officials, technicians, and senior management from Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, as well as São Tomé and Príncipe took part in the colloquium. An array of thematic talks, visits, and discussions were arranged, focusing on Macao’s role as a platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, port management and logistic technologies in the digital era, including sustainable practices and efficiency, cybersecurity and information protection in digital ports, the application of International of Things in port operation. In Macao, the participants visited the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao, Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute, Economic and Technological Development Bureau, Marine and Water Bureau, trades and associations. In Shenzhen, they visited the Mawan Smartport, SF Express, Kdniao deliveries, and Tencent. Exchange visits were arranged to the Cooperation Zone, departments, and institutions.
Among the guest were Li Huaying, deputy director-general of the Economic Affairs Department and head of the Commercial Office of the Liaison Office of the Central Government in the Macao SAR; Teresa dos Santos, vice council of Angola in Macao; Aurélio de Jesus Chiconela, acting person of the Consulate General of Mozambique in Macao; Jacinto Luiz, acting president of the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute; CityU's Vice Rector Ip Kuai Peng; and all members of the Permanent Secretary of Forum Macao.
Marina Cavalini Bailão, technical advisor to the Ministry of Ports and Airports of Brazil
In this colloquium, we gained in-depth knowledge of the latest developments in new technologies and efficient logistics and port management. This training provided us with valuable knowledge that will help improve and innovate our country’s port and logistics industries. Through exchanges of experiences with China and Portuguese-speaking countries, we have seen the unlimited possibilities for future cooperation.
Manuel André da Costa Maias, head of Maritime Traffic Control Operation Division of Portugal
I would like to express my gratitude to the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao for its well-planned organization. Thank you to all the experts for sharing your knowledge, and to all the logistical staff for their support. This colloquium has not only enriched our technical knowledge but also deepened the friendship and cooperation between our countries. We look forward to applying what we have learned in practice and exploring new opportunities for collaboration with China.
Herlander Rossi da Costa Medeiros, director-general of Customs of São Tomé and Príncipe (rotating representative of the participants)
China’s leading position in the global logistics and port sector is admirable and serves as an example for us. Through this colloquium, we have witnessed China’s excellence in handling global container trade and port management. We hope this training program marks a new starting point for cooperation between our country and China, as we jointly strive for a future of development and progress.
Source:
Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), Faculty of Business of City University of Macau