GBA Forum Enhances Internationalisation and Diversification of Macao-Hengqin Collaboration
GBA Forum Enhances Internationalisation and Diversification of Macao-Hengqin Collaboration
20
Oct
20/10/2024
USJ Macao launched the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Forum” to foster international collaboration and economic diversification, and to promote opportunities for entrepreneurs and academics in the Greater Bay Area.
In a special triple celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the 25th anniversary of the Macao Special Administrative Region, and the 3rd anniversary of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin—the University of Saint Joseph’s (USJ) Faculty of Business and Law launched the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Forum” (GBA Forum). This unique platform aims to foster cultural interaction and knowledge sharing among stakeholders in the Greater Bay Area, with support from prominent organisations, including the France Macau Chamber of Commerce, Australian Chamber of Commerce Macau, British Chamber of Commerce Macao, Macau European Chamber of Commerce, and Keng Lam Cultural Development Co. Ltd.
In his welcoming address, Reverend Professor Stephen Morgan, Rector of USJ, emphasised the importance of global communication regarding the Greater Bay Area’s dynamism, particularly with Portuguese-speaking countries. He said “It’s natural that an event like this should be hosted by USJ. This is the first GBA Forum, and it won’t be the last”.
The event featured a keynote presentation by Mr. Zhang Ge, Deputy Director of the Economic Development Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. He outlined the various incentives, measures, and policies designed to support Macao entrepreneurs and startups. He said,“Macao’s youth and entrepreneurs are encouraged to explore the in-depth cooperation zone. Hengqin and Mainland China present vast development opportunities.” He further elaborated the policies that would benefit companies from Macau and encouraged the full use of the opportunities.
The GBA Forum, themed for “Innovation and Entrepreneurial Opportunities for Economic Development and Diversification”, attracted the attendance of over 100 academics, entrepreneurs and aspiring students from the Greater Bay Area, sharing their valuable experience as they encounter their journey of growth within the context of GBA and challenges faced on the way.
The full day event featured panels on “Open Innovation in the GBA”, “Financing in the GBA” and “Business Opportunities for Technology in the GBA”. The panels were designed for exploring the opportunities and challenges faced by firms from Macao and abroad as they navigate expansion and business ventures in the GBA.
University of Saint Joseph continues to embrace and serve as a conduit for the roles that the Central Government has granted Macao as ”One Centre, One Platform and One Base,” namely a “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure,” a “China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform,” and an “Exchange and cooperation base with Chinese culture as its mainstream and co-existence of different cultures,” to bolster the city’s economic diversification and sustainable growth.
