The PhD candidates of the Portuguese-speaking Countries Studies from the Institute for Research on Portuguese Speaking Countries (IROPC) were privileged to participate in a field-visit to the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao) on 15^th October 2019 at 19:00. The visit included a talk on the theme: "The Forum Macau, the Greater Bay Area and the Portuguese-Speaking Countries" delivered by the Deputy Secretary General Dr. Rodrigo Brum. The talk was part of the 15^th Academic Salon on ‘Research on PSC’.

Prior to the commencement of the talk, Dr. Rodrigo gave the students a comprehensive tour around the Secretariat. Thereafter, Dr. Rodrigo delivered an insightful and animated session on the above mentioned theme. He presented an overview of the Forum Macao outlining its purpose and significance. He highlighted that Forum Macao is a platform to promote better economic and commercial ties between China and Portuguese Speaking Countries (PSC). The most positive outcome was the development of better trade links. Various measures have also been undertaken to strengthen cooperation with the member countries, such as providing financial assistance to small and micro enterprises, establishment of a credit insurance system that will enable businesses in Macao, mainland China and Portuguese-speaking countries to have a platform they can trust and trade with each other. He also mentioned the role of Macau Forum in the Belt and Round Initiative which would present mutual benefits. Dr. Rodrigo mentioned that the Forum has a long way to go and that there is a mechanism of evaluation to determine its progress. The participants put forward various questions and were adequately clarified by the Speaker. Students were encouraged to undertake research in this area and the Speaker assured that the required data and assistance would be provided to the researchers and when required. The session concluded at 22:30 with Prof. Francisco Leandro delivering the vote of appreciation and Ms. Zoey and Mr. Gaspar handing over a token of appreciation to Dr. Rodrigo on behalf of City University of Macau.