Strengthening Ties: Macau’s Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai’s Visit to Spain

Macau’s Chief Executive, Sam Hou Fai, is currently on a significant working visit to Spain, aimed at enhancing cooperation and exchanges between Macau and Spain. This visit is particularly noteworthy as it underscores the growing relationship between China and Spain, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, culture, and technological innovation.

Meeting with Spanish Foreign Minister

On the second day of his visit, Sam met with José Manuel Albares Bueno, Spain’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation, in Madrid. The meeting was characterized by a mutual commitment to maintaining dialogue and advancing collaboration. Both leaders expressed optimism about the potential for deeper ties, reflecting the importance of this diplomatic engagement.

Context of the Visit

Sam’s visit to Spain follows a four-day working trip to Lisbon, Portugal, where he engaged in discussions that likely laid the groundwork for his current meetings. The timing of these visits is significant, as they come in the wake of high-level exchanges between China and Spain, including visits from Spain’s King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to China. These interactions signify a deepening of the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership.

Macau’s Unique Role

During the meeting, Sam emphasized Macau’s unique position as a Special Administrative Region of China. Since its return to China in 1999, Macau has taken on external engagement responsibilities, leveraging the “One Country, Two Systems” principle. He highlighted Macau’s role as a platform for cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, citing successful events like the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, known as Forum Macao.

Expanding International Engagement

Sam noted that the central government has expressed support for Macau to become a vital bridge for China’s opening-up. His delegation to Spain, which includes officials and business representatives, is a key step in fulfilling this mandate. He articulated a vision for Macau to extend its role as a platform for cooperation not only with Portuguese-speaking countries but also into the Spanish-speaking world.

Areas of Cooperation

The discussions between Sam and Albares touched on various areas for potential collaboration, including trade, cultural tourism, and technological innovation. Sam expressed hope that Spain would support Macau in becoming a crucial platform for enhanced cooperation between China and Spanish-speaking countries. Albares echoed this sentiment, noting that the visit presents a significant opportunity to deepen friendly relations.

Educational and Cultural Exchange

Albares also highlighted Spain’s close ties with Portugal and Brazil, welcoming Macau’s participation in these networks. He emphasized the importance of increasing high-level visits and practical exchanges between Spain and Macau. Additionally, he mentioned Spain’s willingness to support the learning of the Spanish language in Macau, aiming to nurture bilingual talents.

Engagement with UN Tourism

In addition to his meeting with Albares, Sam met with Shaikha Al Nuwais, the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This meeting focused on deepening cooperation in tourism promotion, talent development, and expanding international visitor markets. Sam expressed gratitude for UNWTO’s support in developing Macau as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.

Future Collaborations

Both leaders discussed the potential for broader and deeper forms of collaboration in tourism, with Sam inviting Al Nuwais to lead a delegation to Macau for the upcoming Global Tourism Economy Forum. Al Nuwais acknowledged Macau’s rich historical and cultural heritage, which provides significant advantages for promoting high-quality tourism development.

Conclusion of the Visit

As Sam continues his European tour, he is set to engage with officials from the World Trade Organization in Geneva and meet with Belgian and European Union representatives. His visit to Spain marks a critical step in Macau’s efforts to expand its international engagement and strengthen its role as a bridge between China and the global community.