Underlying the importance it attaches to Macao, Beijing's municipal government is making a strong effort at the 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair to attract investments in seven projects valued at 31 billion yuan ($ 5.1 billion).

Ma Lin, deputy secretary-general of the Beijing Municipal Government, said in Macao on Friday Beijing has sent a delegation to the fair for five consecutive years. This, he said, showed that Beijing "attaches great importance" to Macao's status as a gateway to the mainland market.

The Beijing delegation also aims to project the capital's "rich historical and cultural heritage" and the rapid development of its financial, tourism and exhibition industries, Ma said.

He stressed the significance of the fair as Beijing is keen to expand its trading and investment platform in Macao as well as its links with Portuguese-speaking countries and regions.

Jackson Chang, president of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, said Macao has always been the bridge and intermediary between the mainland and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Liang Changxin, an official of Beijing's Xicheng District, said it's a good time to invest in the development of his district which is committed to improving administrative efficiency and increasing transparency.

Eduardo Ambrosio, president of the executive committee of the International Lusophone Markets Business Association, said entrepreneurs in Macao have always been interested in tapping business opportunities in Beijing.

Many people in Macao's professional services industry, including lawyers and accountants, have also shown a keen interest in tapping the potential business opportunities arising from an increasing number of enterprises from Portuguese-speaking countries interested in investing on the mainland. It helps that most Macao's professionals are fluent in both Chinese and Portuguese.

sophiehe@chinadailyhk.com

(HK Edition 10/25/2014 page6)