6 Portuguese cities signed to forge closer partnership with 6 Districts in Zhuhai

On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Portugal, a delegation from the Intermunicipal Community of Tâmega and Sousa and the Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce for SMEs paid a visit to Zhuhai.

They signed the Letters of Intent to promote cooperation and friendly exchanges with different districts of Zhuhai, hoping to enhance practical cooperation between Portugal and Zhuhai in fields such as trade, technology, education, and the marine economy.

Officials signed Letters of Intent for friendly exchange and cooperation with Zhuhai. (Photo: Zhuhai Foreign Affairs Office)

First visit ever to the city of Zhuhai

The delegation represents six major cities from Portugal within the Intermunicipal Community of Tâmega and Sousa, alongside the Portuguese Business Association (AEP), the Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce for SMEs, Portuguese entrepreneurs, and members of the Portuguese-Chinese community.

This trip marks their first visit to Zhuhai. During the day, they visited the Beijing Institute of Technology (Zhuhai) and the Zhuhai Planning and Exhibition Hall, where they gained insights into local urban planning, industrial development, and the business environment.

The delegation visited Zhuhai Planning and Exhibition Hall. (Photo: Zhuhai Planning and Exhibition Hall)

To start new chapters of friendship

Among the six letters of intent for friendly exchange and cooperation, six districts of Zhuhai matched up with the six cities from the Tâmega and Sousa Intermunicipal Community.

Specifically, Xiangzhou District partnered with Penafiel, Jinwan District with Lousada, Doumen District with Baião, the High-Tech Zone with Felgueiras, Wanshan District with Sinfães, and the Economic Development Zone with Marco de Canaveses.

This marks the first time, except for Wanshan District, that Zhuhai's districts have established such international relationships, signifying a new chapter in the friendly exchanges and cooperation between Zhuhai and Portugal.

"We hope to see Zhuhai and Portugal further expand personnel exchanges, deepen mutual understanding, and continue to promote exchanges and cooperation," said the Deputy Mayor of Zhuhai, who attended the signing ceremony, expressing hopes for increased exchanges and cooperation in various fields to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Portugal.

Pedro Daniel Machado Gomes, Chairman of the Tâmega and Sousa Intermunicipal Community, emphasized the need to build strong foundations for economic, commercial, and technological cooperation.

"We come from a region where SMEs play a dominant role. Despite their humble size, these companies produce high-quality products that are competitive in the global market. Our region focuses on six key strategic industries, which include construction and materials, furniture manufacturing, agricultural product processing, and tourism," said Mr. Machado.

He firmly believes that high-quality products and services from Portugal will deepen and strengthen our bilateral relations. “In a globalized business environment, we are capable of proposing excellent cooperation plans and exploring new markets through healthy partnerships,” he added.

The delegation had a meeting with members of the Beijing Institute of Technology (Zhuhai). [Photo: Beijing Institute of Technology (Zhuhai)]

Join hands to write a new future

The delegation's visit also included stops in Macau and the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, highlighting the close ties between these regions. Zhuhai has long valued its friendly relations with Portuguese-speaking countries, leveraging its proximity to Macau to enhance Belt and Road cooperation with Portugal.

Since establishing a sister city relationship with Castelo Branco in 1994, Zhuhai and Portugal have engaged in diverse exchanges in culture, education, and youth interactions.

Moving forward, Zhuhai plans to strengthen collaboration with Macau and Hengqin, sharing resources and fostering mutual development. This visit serves as a catalyst for deepening practical cooperation with Portuguese cities and associations, aiming for complementary advantages and win-win outcomes, contributing positively to China-Portugal cooperation.

(cnbayarea.org.cn & GDToday)