A landmark agreement signed on Thursday at the ongoing Portuguese-Speaking Countries Products and Services Exhibition (PLPEX) has paved the way for a 12,000-unit prefabricated housing project in Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique, bringing together Chinese firms from Beijing and Sichuan with a Mozambican partner.
Held alongside the four-day Macau International Trade & Investment Fair (MIF), PLPEX is positioned to serve as a platform for fostering trade and investment between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.
The agreement brings together IEC International Supply Chain Group, a supply chain services platform, and Sichuan Shudao Urban Construction Group, a subsidiary of one of Sichuan’s largest state-owned enterprises.
Speaking in an interview with Macau News Agency (MNA), Wang Ying Wu, president of the supply chain group, said: “Many African countries are currently in a critical phase of infrastructure expansion and urban development, creating strong demand for large-scale construction projects.”
Highlighting Macau’s role in the project, she added: “Macau occupies a unique position thanks to its international business environment and strategic advantages. As more Chinese companies look to expand overseas, the city plays an important bridging role between mainland enterprises and Portuguese-speaking markets.”
Under the agreement, IEC will oversee supply chain services and supply chain financing for the project.
“Our role is to build an end-to-end supply chain ecosystem,” Wang explained. “We are involved from early planning and design through to construction, development, and the delivery of comprehensive supply chain management and materials.”
On the project delivery side, the construction group will act as the engineering, procurement and construction(EPC) contractor.
Peng De, the company’s general manager for Africa, told MNA its core businesses span three sectors: infrastructure construction, renewable energy and mineral resource development, all of which offer significant growth potential in the African market.
Beyond infrastructure, Peng pointed to renewable energy and mining as key growth sectors in Africa. He described the continent as “the last major untapped market,” citing “its abundant natural resources and growing demand for energy infrastructure, particularly in areas where access to electricity remains limited.”
Speaking about the project, Peng also credited Macau with helping bring the partnership to fruition.
“Macau government has provided a vital bridge, from Sichuan, through Macau, all the way to Africa,” Peng said. “It not only helps us navigate the legal and regulatory frameworks of Portuguese-speaking countries, but also facilitates business and government engagement.”
“With Macau’s support, we are far more confident in advancing the project.”
Source: Macau Business