"I am highly optimistic about the future development of Hengqin." For Y Ping Chow, President of the Portugal-China Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Chamber of Commerce, the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, which is celebrating its third anniversary, holds immense potential for the future.

On September 12, at an achievement conference focusing on science and technology cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (PSCs), the Portugal-China SME Chamber of Commerce signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Centre for Science and Technology Exchange and Cooperation between China and PSCs and officially established a liaison office in Hengqin.

As an active promoter of cooperation between Chinese and PSCs' enterprises, Chow attended and witnessed the signing of this agreement. He believes that "Hengqin has the potential to become an important gateway for PSCs to enter China, bringing new opportunities for cooperation in fields such as tourism, high-tech, trade, and more."

Hengqin's "four new" industries provide unprecedented development chances for global enterprises

Chow has personally witnessed the dramatic transformation of Hengqin from a barren land to a bustling metropolis. Recalling his first visit to Hengqin, he said, "When Hengqin was still a wasteland, I visited it. And now Hengqin is completely different with towering skyscrapers and grand buildings. The infrastructure is extremely well-developed."

What particularly impresses Chow is the innovative management model adopted between Guangdong and Macao. Hengqin, backed by the vast market of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and enjoying an international business environment similar to that of Macao, provides a convenient channel for PSCs' enterprises to enter the Chinese market. In his view, the management mechanism represents a "powerful collaboration" that is highly attractive to Portuguese-speaking countries' enterprises.

Under the system of extensive consultation, joint construction, joint management, and shared benefits between Guangdong and Macao, the pragmatic approach and willingness to cooperate of the Hengqin government have also left a deep impression on Chow. "In every conversation, we can sense that the local government genuinely hopes we can work together to accomplish something practical, just like friends helping friends."

Impressed by the sincerity of the Cooperation Zone's Management Committee and optimistic about the development potential of Hengqin, the Portugal-China SME Chamber of Commerce became one of Hengqin's global investment partners in 2023.

Currently, the chamber has successfully established seven consulting companies in Hengqin, each connecting with seven PSCs including Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau. These companies aim to not only help PSCs' enterprises better understand the Chinese market and Hengqin's investment environment but also assist Chinese enterprises in expanding their markets in PSCs.

The vigorous rise of Hengqin's "four new" industries has also provided unprecedented development chances for global enterprises. Chow and his chamber have keenly captured these opportunities and are eager to deepen scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation between China and PSCs through concrete actions.

Chow revealed they plan to assist the Centre for Science and Technology Exchange and Cooperation between China and PSCs in establishing a liaison office in Porto, Portugal, to facilitate closer connections between the scientific communities of both sides. They also intend to establish new R&D units in Portugal to accelerate the transformation and application of scientific and technological achievements and expand into international markets.

Hengqin can become the preferred destination for diverse China-PSC cooperation

In April this year, Hengqin issued 25 measures to promote science and technology exchange and cooperation with PSCs, offering comprehensive, full-chain, and substantial policy support in areas such as tax incentives, support for the development of PSCs-invested science and technology enterprises, support for exchange and cooperation, and support for platform construction.

In Chow's view, while Portuguese SMEs may be small in scale, they are highly flexible and innovative, possessing certain R&D capabilities in high-tech fields. Hengqin's advanced industrial foundation and comprehensive policy support perfectly align with the needs of Portuguese SMEs for external cooperation.

Additionally, Chow believes that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) represents an emerging and potential area of cooperation between the two sides. He explained that TCM has a certain market foundation and influence in PSCs, and there is ample room for cooperation and potential in areas such as TCM cultural inheritance, technological innovation, and market development.

In recent years, Hengqin has developed a scientific and rational industrial layout, promoting the coordinated development of upstream and downstream links in the TCM industry chain. With abundant industrial resources and innovative momentum, Hengqin has attracted renowned TCM institutions and research institutions from both China and abroad, which can provide technical support and solutions.

"There are many individual TCM clinics in Portugal, and we hope to collaborate with Hengqin's institutions to establish a TCM management platform that can provide an overall package for these small clinics, achieving information sharing and resource integration."

Chow also suggested that Hengqin could host TCM industry conferences and invite professionals from PSCs to participate, allowing them to experience firsthand the development vibe of TCM in Hengqin.

Moreover, Chow emphasized the crucial role of conventions and exhibitions in cooperation between Hengqin and PSCs. "We also hope to promote the hosting of international exhibitions in Hengqin by PSCs. During these events, we can organize visits to local industries and markets in Hengqin, fostering initial connections that can lead to substantive cooperation in the future."