The Oeiras Valley Investment Agency (OVIA) took part in the Blue Tech Innovation & Investment Conference held on October 23, at the China–Portugal Centre in Hengqin, as part of the 12th International Forum for Clean Energy (IFCE) and the China–Portuguese-speaking Countries Bluetech & Ocean Economy Cooperation Forum.
The conference was organized by the Hengqin Convention & Exhibition Association (HQCEA) and Beijing Baocem International Investment Management Co., Ltd., with the support of the China–Portuguese (Spanish)-speaking Countries Economic and Trade Service Centre and the authorities of the Hengqin Cooperation Zone.
Co-organizers included the International Forum for Clean Energy (IFCE), Fórum Oceano, the Oeiras Valley Investment Agency (OVIA), the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition & Tourism Sectors (MACETS), and the Macao European Chamber of Commerce (MECC).
During the opening session, Ambassador António Martins da Cruz, President of OVIA and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, delivered the keynote opening address, emphasizing the strategic role of Hengqin as an extension of Macau and the importance of Oeiras in fostering technological and economic cooperation between Portugal and China.
The Ambassador highlighted the priority areas recently identified in bilateral relations, such as energy, artificial intelligence, 5G, and the blue economy, stating that “Oeiras is indeed the right gateway to the European Union and to the blue economy.”
He also referred to the business park project in Oeiras, to be developed jointly by China Construction and Teixeira Duarte, as a concrete example of Portugal–China collaboration in innovation and investment.
The event also featured presentations from Portuguese companies, including SEAentia, Ínclita Seaweed Solutions, PRIO Energy, Yacooba Labs, and the Port of Sines (APS), showcasing their work in blue technology and sustainable innovation, and fostering new partnerships with Chinese institutions.
OVIA’s participation in this international conference reinforces Oeiras’ position as a European hub for technological investment and blue economy development, strengthening its role as a bridge for cooperation between Portugal, China, and the Portuguese-speaking world.
