Macao forum highlights digitalization, innovation in global infrastructure projects

The 15th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF) kicked off in Macao Thursday, with industry leaders stressing the importance of digitalization and innovation in building more sustainable and interconnected global infrastructure.

Over 3,500 industry representatives from more than 70 countries and regions attended the event titled "Green Innovative Digital Connectivity."

China's Vice Minister of Commerce, Guo Tingting, pledged her ministry's commitment to green infrastructure development through policy dialogues and practical cooperation in areas such as green energy, transportation, and finance.

Meanwhile, the exhibition area of this year's forum has been expanded by 60 percent compared to the previous editions, showcasing projects of global infrastructure connectivity.

Praising the forum's collaborative approach, Uzbekistan's Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, Aziz Abdukhakimov, emphasized the value of uniting policymakers, companies, and government representatives to explore new avenues for economic development.

Wang Bin, president of China's Power Construction Corporation, underscored the growing importance of green innovation and digitalization within the infrastructure industry.

Fang Qiuchen, chairman of the China International Contractors Association, noted the forum's broader impact, extending to China's Belt and Road Initiative.

"The most important and prioritized area of the Belt and Road Initiative is infrastructure connectivity. The annual IIICF in Macao also focuses on international infrastructure cooperation. Now we are building it into an important international cooperation platform serving the Belt and Road Initiative, especially infrastructure connectivity. I believe that the Belt and Road Initiative will achieve solid progress in the future," he said.

The forum, co-organized by the China International Contractors Association and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, will conclude on Friday.

Macao forum highlights digitalization, innovation in global infrastructure projects

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Omer Mohamed Ahmed Siddig, the outgoing Sudanese ambassador to China and the newly appointed foreign minister of Sudan, in Beijing on Wednesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, congratulated Siddig on his assumption of office as Sudanese foreign minister, and expressed appreciation for his contributions to promoting the development of China-Sudan relations during his tenure as ambassador to China.

Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic partnership between China and Sudan, Wang called on both sides to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state, promote continuous fruitful results in the bilateral relations, and bring benefits to the two peoples.

China supports Sudan firmly in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and supports Sudan in achieving peace, stability and development at an early date, said Wang, adding that China will continue to provide humanitarian assistance within its own capacity.

Siddig said that Sudan regards China as its most important partner and a trustworthy friend, prioritizes cooperation with China, and will continue to support China firmly in safeguarding its core interests.

As the new foreign minister, he will continue to spare no effort to promote the development of the Sudan-China strategic partnership, and will work collaboratively to implement a series of important global initiatives proposed by China.

Chinese FM meets with new Sudanese counterpart