WTO Chief: Macau to Lead Trade Push for Lusophone Nations
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called on Macau to leverage its unique historical and economic position to help expand the organization’s reach among Portuguese-speaking nations.
A Strategic Bridge in Geneva
The appeal came during a high-level meeting in Geneva between Okonjo-Iweala and Macau’s Chief Executive, Sam Hou Fai. Sam’s visit to the WTO headquarters is part of a broader European diplomatic tour that began last week in Lisbon.
Okonjo-Iweala emphasized Macau’s “important role as a platform for cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.” According to a statement released by Macau’s Government Information Bureau (GCS), the WTO chief expressed hope that the territory could act as a catalyst for integrating more members of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) into the global trade body.
Closing the Multi-Language Gap
Currently, the vast majority of Portuguese-speaking nations are already WTO members, including Brazil, Portugal, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Angola, Cape Verde, and most recently, Timor-Leste, which joined in early 2024. Only two remain on the sidelines: Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and Príncipe, both of which currently hold observer status.
Macau itself has been a member of the WTO since its inception in 1995, maintaining its independent membership even after the 1999 transfer of sovereignty from Portugal to China.
Empowering Small Economies
During the talks, Sam Hou Fai reaffirmed Macau’s commitment to the multilateral trading system. He positioned the city as a case study for success, suggesting that Macau’s experience as a small but thriving economy could guide other developing nations.
“Based on its successful experience as a small economy, Macau has great potential and can play an active and significant role,” Sam said, adding that the administration is continuously studying ways for small economies to integrate more effectively into global trade.
Looking Ahead to the 14th Ministerial Conference
Okonjo-Iweala also praised Macau’s active participation in the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference held in Cameroon last March. Despite a “complex and changing” global landscape fraught with economic challenges, the Director-General noted that she expects the WTO and Macau to “continue to move forward side by side.”
The meeting concluded with Okonjo-Iweala expressing satisfaction with Macau’s steady development since 1999, reinforcing the territory’s vital role in connecting mainland China with the Lusophone world.
Image: Pexels – Werner Pfennig
