The night of November 8th marked the return of the Portugal-China Gala to Casino Estoril for a memorable night of celebration and friendship.

Among institutional guests, business representatives, sponsors and participants in general, it was an indisputable demonstration of the strength and potential of the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

After the usual welcome cocktail, the Secretary General of the CCILC, Bernardo Mendia, welcomed everyone, in an intervention that drew attention to the rich history of proximity and cooperation, as well as the benefits that accrue to all parties when relationships are punctuated by dialogue and mutual understanding.

The session then began with the intervention of the President of the CCILC, António Noronha, who left important reflections on topics such as the energy transition and the danger of protectionism and disruption, as well as China’s contribution in crucial, sensitive moments of the Portuguese economy and the importance of maintaining the relationship between the European and Chinese bloc. It was also time for the President to launch the Commemoration Book of the “510 Years of Portugal-China Contact”, which would be presented later.

Next, António Noronha invited Catarina Rocha Ferreira, President of the Portugal-China Parliamentary Friendship Group, for a conversation about the current state of bilateral relations. Naturally, the existing capital in the institutional relationship at the highest level between the two countries was addressed and, more importantly, how this capital could be translated into benefits for companies. The deputy also had the opportunity to share her experience and very positive impressions gathered on her recent trip to China.

With dinner already served, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Zhao Bentang, made a commendable recognition of the contribution that the CCILC has been making to bilateral relations throughout its 45 years of existence, proving, via commercial exchanges, the vitality between both markets and drew attention to the troubled period that the world is going through, which should further promote cooperation between nations and between economic blocs.

It was then time to distinguish the entities that most contributed to strengthening economic ties with the attribution of the Business Merit Awards. For the 2023 edition, 6 categories were defined and 7 prizes were awarded:

This was followed by the intervention of the Secretary of State for Internationalization, Bernardo Ivo Cruz, who highlighted the increased difficulties for international trade imposed by the impact of the pandemic, as well as by wars, highlighting the centuries-old relationship between Portugal and China – which has made it possible dialogue and progress on various matters of mutual interest – as an example to follow at the international level.

Finally, the moment of presentation of the Commemoration Book of the “510 Years of Portugal-China Contact” by the President of the Macau Scientific and Cultural Center (CCCM) and coordinator of the work, Carmen Amado Mendes. A collection of texts and testimonies from people who were directly involved in the rapprochement and development of bilateral relations in the recent past, especially in the last 45 years that also mark the founding of the CCILC.

The CCILC Board and team would like to thank the trust of all participants who, year after year, help to reinforce and prove the status of the Portugal-China Gala as a great celebration of bilateral relations.

Special thanks to the sponsors, whose contribution is essential to the organization of this event: Quinta da Marmeleira, Fidelidade, EDP, REN, Huawei, Caixa Geral de Depósitos and Banco Nacional Ultramarino, Haitong Bank, Casino Estoril, Lektou Advogados and MdME.

But we don’t stop there, quite the opposite. We have new initiatives in preparation, so be sure to follow CCILC on its communication channels. See you soon.