A national sci-tech exchange and cooperation center between China and Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs) will be built in the Macao-Zhuhai pole of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

A strategic cooperation agreement for the center was signed during the online 16th Mainland-Macao Science & Technology Cooperation Committee on Dec 5 by the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Zhuhai Science and Technology Innovation Bureau, and Economic Development Bureau of Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

Being the first international technology exchange and transfer platform established by the Ministry of Science and Technology in the GBA, it will become an efficient platform for the technology transfer and innovation cooperation between China and PSCs while promoting the construction of the GBA Global Sci-tech Innovation Center.

Two cores of the center will be set up in Macao and Hengqin to undertake sci-tech exchange events between China and PSCs. It will also provide one-stop sci-tech services that cover the whole technology import and export chain.

Contract signing ceremony [Photo courtesy WeChat account: zhuhaifabu]

A comprehensive service system and national technology transfer talent cultivation base will be built by 2024 to efficiently integrate sci-tech innovation resources in China and PSCs.

In the long run, a market-oriented operation mechanism will take shape by 2030 to expand the global science and technology partnership network. Differentiated and distinctive sci-tech innovation cooperation between Macao, Hengqin, and the rest of the mainland will be implemented with more open thinking and initiatives.

The cooperation between Zhuhai and Macao in the innovation field has resulted in great success so far. For instance, the municipal government has signed a cooperation agreement with Macau University of Science and Technology, while four Macao State Key Laboratories have set up branches in Hengqin. Their continued cooperation will make the Greater Bay Area a strong magnet that will attract more resources and partnerships. 

Zhang Guangjun, deputy director of the Ministry of Science and Technology, noted that the center will be an important carrier for the exchanges and cooperation between Macao, the Chinese mainland, and other countries.

Sci-tech research entities are encouraged to make full use of the platform to access global high-end innovation resources, said Wang Lei, director of the Zhuhai Science and Technology Innovation Bureau.

The center will help deepen the scientific industry-academic-research cooperation between China and PSCs, and strengthen their connection in the transfer and transformation of sci-tech achievements, innovation, and entrepreneurship, according to Lei Wai Nong, secretary of the Secretariat for Economy and Finance of Macao.

Giving full play to the unique advantages of coexisting rules and mechanisms in the Cooperation Zone, Zhuhai and Macao will join hands to enhance construction of the Guangzhou-Zhuhai-Macao Scientific & Technological Innovation Corridor, China-PSCs National Sci-tech Exchange and Cooperation Center, as well as Macao-Zhuhai Industry-Academic-Research Innovation Alliance, said Li Chong, deputy mayor of Zhuhai.