Forum brings nations closer to mainland

Portuguese-speaking countries to leverage Macao's free port status and opportunities

As Macao celebrates the 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland, the city known for its casinos accentuates its role as a hub to foster both economic cooperation and cultural exchange between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

In November, Savana Pires, director of international business and development at Porto Business School, led a group of 10 MBA students from the Portuguese university to Hong Kong and Macao under one of four overseas exchange programs, others being from the US, Germany and India.

During their time in Macao, the students visited local universities and companies to gain a deeper understanding of the city's economic landscape. From Macao's efforts to diversify its economy, including developments in tourism, exhibition and industries beyond gaming, as well as its unique blend of Eastern and Western cultural influences, their observations and feedback were overwhelmingly positive.