Macau, China, Oct. 30, 2024 (Lusa) - Porto Business School (PBS) is organising a trip to Macau and Hong Kong for those who want to explore business opportunities in China, which is still "little known" to Portuguese entrepreneurs, the head of the institution said on Wednesday.
"The market is complex in cultural and regulatory terms and has major differences between provinces, which are important to know. It requires regular visits and the creation of strong relationships with local clients or partners in order to build trust," José Esteves, head of PBS, told Lusa.
It is precisely to gain "a deeper understanding" of this market and the "specificities of Hong Kong and Macau" that the University of Porto's Business School is promoting the international week "Exploring Business in China" between 17 and 23 November in the two special administrative regions.
"This immersion can be crucial to understanding the reality and how Hong Kong and Macau can position themselves in internationalisation to the market," he noted in a written message.
The experience, José Esteves said, was aimed at professionals, businesspeople and entrepreneurs who want to explore opportunities in the Asian country "and strengthen their international and intercultural business skills", as well as PBS students who "want to understand the challenges and opportunities of the region".
The idea is also to "promote a broader global vision beyond Europe and the United States".
He also told Lusa that there are still "few" Portuguese companies with success stories in the Chinese market.
"The case of Macau is particular due to its centuries-long connection, but mainland China is still little known. However, we know of cases of Portuguese companies from various sectors that have managed to find their place and position themselves well in the market, even in so-called more traditional sectors, such as food or textiles," he said.
This edition will include participants from companies and institutions in Portugal, Ireland, and Timor-Leste, as well as from various sectors such as banking, insurance, education, technology, and textiles.
Some of the event's programmes include lectures on the Chinese economy, e-commerce, consumer behaviour, visits to local companies, and a cultural tour of Macau. It is promoted in collaboration with the University of Hong Kong, the University of Macau, and the City University of Macau.
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Lusa