- USJ hosted its first GBA Forum in October.
- The forum aimed to explore the opportunities and challenges faced by Macau businesses and international enterprises within the GBA.
In October, the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) hosted the inaugural “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Forum” (GBA Forum), which aimed to discuss new business development opportunities.
The forum took place against the significant historical backdrop of the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, the 25th anniversary of the Macau SAR and the third anniversary of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
Themed “Innovation and Entrepreneurial Opportunities for Economic Development and Diversification”, the forum attracted over 100 participants from the Greater Bay Area, including scholars, distinguished entrepreneurs and aspiring university students.
The day-long event featured panels on “Open Innovation in the GBA”, “Financing in the GBA” and “Business Opportunities for Technology in the GBA”. The seminars explored opportunities and challenges for Macau and international businesses, sharing expansion and operational experiences within the Greater Bay Area.
A highlight of the event was a keynote speech by Deputy Director Zhang Ge of the Hengqin Economic Development Bureau. He introduced Hengqin’s policies and presented incentives for Macau entrepreneurs and start-ups, saying, “Macau’s youth and entrepreneurs are encouraged to explore the in-depth cooperation zone. Hengqin and mainland China offer vast development opportunities.”
Zhang further elaborated on policies benefiting Macau businesses and urged enterprises to seize these opportunities fully.
Reverend Professor Stephen Morgan, Rector of USJ, emphasized the importance of global communication regarding the Greater Bay Area’s dynamism, particularly with Portuguese-speaking countries. He and Ms. Nelma Pontes Fernandes, President of CE-CPLP, signed a cooperation protocol to strengthen these ties.
“It is only fitting that USJ hosts an event of this caliber,” Morgan said. “This is the inaugural GBA Forum, but certainly not the last.”
