Macau's Contributions to the Belt and Road Initiative

Strategic Insights -

The Macau Special Administrative Region has significantly contributed to enhancing cooperation with Portuguese-speaking countries and advancing the objectives of the Belt and Road Initiative. According to two reports released during the 16th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, Macau's infrastructure development trends in Portuguese-speaking countries are encouraging, with the index rising from 125 in 2023 to 126 in 2024. The reports highlight Macau's achievements in the initiative, including its integration into the national development framework, promotion of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and provision of high-quality services to support China-Portugal economic and trade cooperation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Belt and Road Infrastructure Development Index rose from 125 in 2023 to 126 in 2024, indicating encouraging infrastructure development trends in Portuguese-speaking countries.
  • Macau has played a vital role in the Belt and Road Initiative, with significant contributions to the joint construction of the initiative, including its integration into the national development framework.
  • Macau has effectively promoted the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Macao-Guangdong In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
  • The city has provided high-quality services to support China-Portugal economic and trade cooperation, enhancing cooperation with Portuguese-speaking countries.
  • Macau is recommended to further consolidate its economic recovery momentum, better integrate into the national development framework, and establish high-level platforms for international engagement.
  • The Belt and Road Initiative's infrastructure development index has continued to rise, indicating steady growth in the global infrastructure industry.
  • Southeast Asia maintains its position as the top-ranked region globally for multiple consecutive years, with its index standing at 128.
  • The Latin America and Caribbean region has also improved in ranking.
  • There are over 1,100 ongoing projects in the transportation and power sectors across Belt and Road countries, involving over USD150 billion in investments.

Statistics:

  • 126: The Belt and Road Infrastructure Development Index in 2024.
  • 125: The Belt and Road Infrastructure Development Index in 2023.
  • 128: Southeast Asia's index this year, maintaining its position as the top-ranked region.
  • 120: The overall infrastructure development index for the 75 Belt and Road Initiative partner countries in 2024.
  • 119: The overall infrastructure development index for the 75 Belt and Road Initiative partner countries in 2023.
  • 1,100: The number of ongoing projects in the transportation and power sectors across Belt and Road countries.
  • USD150 billion: The investments involved in these projects across Belt and Road countries.

Sources:

  • "Report on the Belt and Road Infrastructure Development Index" and "Report on Portuguese-speaking Countries' Infrastructure Development Index and Macao's Achievements in the Belt and Road Initiative," China International Contractors Association.