The delegation of the Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCILC) in Macau, led by President Carlos Cid Alvares, paid an official visit to Changsha, capital of Hunan province. During the visit, a meeting was held with the CCILC Delegation in Changsha, which is already fully operational with a team in place, and whose official opening ceremony is scheduled for 2026.

The delegation held meetings with leading companies, including Sansure Biotech Inc. and Zoomlion. A symposium also took place with the Changsha Federation of Industry and Commerce, which included the signing of a cooperation agreement. Furthermore, the visit included an institutional dinner attended by the Vice Mayor of Changsha, Kang Zhenlin, during which an invitation was extended for a regional business delegation to participate in the Portugal–China Gala 2026.

Read the full Delegation report below:

“Changsha, China – January 16, 2026 

In a landmark event strengthening business ties, the Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCILC Macau Delegation) and the Changsha Federation of Industry and Commerce today signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing ceremony, held in the capital of Hunan Province, marks a decisive step towards structured collaboration between Portuguese, Macau, and Hunan-based enterprises.

The agreement establishes a formal framework for partnership in key growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing, green energy, agro-industry, and technology. It paves the way for joint ventures, investment facilitation, and knowledge exchange, leveraging Macau’s unique role as a platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs).

The MoU was signed during a high-level four-day business and cultural exchange, during which the CCILC Macau Delegation engaged in a productive and successful programme of cooperation in Changsha. The delegation was invited by Mr. Zhong Shan, members of the Changsha Municipal CPPCC and Executive President of the Macau Changsha Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Lei Hong, Committee Member of the Hunan Provincial CPPCC and President of the Board Members of The Chamber of Commerce of MacaoChangsha.

Building Bridges for Mutual Prosperity

The delegation, led by CCILC President Mr. Carlos Alvares, who also serves as CEO of Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU), engaged in productive dialogues with representatives from the CPPCC, the Changsha Municipal Council, and the Provincial Council. The visit included detailed business overviews and meetings with the leadership of Hunan’s industrial champions, including Sansure Biotech Inc. and Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd.

Reflecting on the visit, Mr. Carlos Alvares stated, “We have been profoundly impressed by Changsha’s vibrancy and the remarkable synergy between Hunan’s rapid technological advancement and its deep cultural heritage. The professionalism and vision of our hosts have been exceptional. Special gratitude goes to Mr. Lei Hong and Mr. Tommy Zhong of the Macau Changsha Chamber of Commerce for orchestrating such a seamless visit.” 

On the significance of the new agreement, Mr. Alvares added, “Our expectations are ambitious. This MoU creates a structured pathway for partnership. Portuguese companies gain a gateway to China’s vast market, while Chinese enterprises can access Portugal’s market, the EU, and over 300 million consumers across PSCs. We are turning dialogue into tangible outcomes for shared prosperity.”

A Journey Through Industry and Heritage

The delegation’s comprehensive itinerary blended economic diplomacy with cultural immersion, highlighting Hunan’s dual identity as an industrial powerhouse and a cradle of Chinese civilization.

 The cultural program included a visit to the historic Yuelu Academy, a walk through the scenic Orange Isle, a reflective tour of the Lei Feng Museum, and a poignant journey to Shaoshan to visit the Chairman Mao bronze statue, former residence, and Memorial Museum, capped by the performance Everlasting Impressions of Shaoshan. The visit concluded with an authentic taste of Changsha’s famous culinary scene on Pozi Street and a dinner at the Xiang Lu ShanZhuang Restaurant.

 United Delegation for a Common Goal

The CCILC Macau Delegation comprised Mr. Carlos Alvares, Mr. Sam Tou, Ms. Catarina Cottinelli, Mr. Filipe Santos, Ms. Mary Mendoza, Mr. Joao Li, Ms. Echo Chan, and Ms. Kate Leong, representing leadership from CCILC, BNU, FO, MECC and The Platinum Ltd.”