The High-Level Conference on the Development of Central Bank Digital Currencies and Cross-Border Innovative Applications between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, organised by the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM), recently took place with the participation of around 250 representatives from central banks, public entities, financial institutions, experts and academics.

Senior officials from the central banks of Brazil, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe and Timor-Leste were present, as well as representatives from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao. Participants discussed the development of central bank digital currencies and their cross-border applications, with the aim of strengthening financial co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries and promoting innovative advances in the digital economy era.

The AMCM, together with the Financial Development Services Directorate of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Co-operation Zone in Hengqin, also organised a study visit to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area for officials from Portuguese-speaking central banks. The delegation visited Dongguan, Shenzhen and Hengqin, where they engaged with financial technology institutions and projects linked to the development and application of the digital renminbi.

The initiative enabled a deeper understanding of Chinese innovations in the digital financial sector and strengthened the foundations for co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries in the area of financial technology, creating more opportunities for future co-operation in cross-border payments and digital finance.

(Source: Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region, on 9 June)