The founding president of the Portuguese-Language Business Circle (CNLP), Olga Amorim, has argued that the primary difficulty faced by Lusophone companies seeking to expand into China remains the language barrier.
Speaking at the 31st edition of the Macau International Fair (MIF), held from 21 to 24 October, Amorim said the formalisation of the CNLP’s Macau branch has been completed, with the body intended to serve as a “business platform to strengthen commercial ties between companies from Portuguese-speaking countries, China, and other international markets”.
“Our greatest difficulty is really the language,” she said, highlighting that many companies face communication obstacles due to the use of Cantonese and Mandarin, and, in some cases, the limited use of English by local partners.
According to Amorim, the organisation’s objective goes beyond facilitating the entry of foreign goods and services into Asia — it also aims to create conditions for Chinese and other Asian companies to expand their presence on other continents.
“We are not here only to bring products and services to Macau or to China. We also want to take products and services from Asia to Europe, Africa, and the United States,” she said, adding: “We have to build trust and credibility in the market. It is a process that takes time and is built gradually.”
Lusophone exports to China recorded their best start to a year on record, rising 22.1% to €94.3 billion between January and August of this year.
Amorim also acknowledged that regulatory requirements continue to represent a challenge for companies seeking to enter the Chinese market, particularly regarding certifications and compliance with sector-specific legal requirements. “The regulations for importing products into China have also been difficult, but that is surmountable when people genuinely want to do it,” she noted.
Amorim argued that many companies approach internationalisation without a sufficiently defined strategy, attempting to enter multiple markets simultaneously. “We first need to understand which markets we want to enter. We cannot simply say we want to sell internationally. We have to focus on one or two markets and work on the certifications and legislation of those countries,” she said.
According to Amorim, adapting to the rules of each jurisdiction should be treated as an integral part of the international expansion process, requiring preparation and specialised guidance. “In terms of legislation, we have to work, we have to provide support, and we have to organise ourselves,” she said.
Amorim also stressed the importance of institutional support in overcoming certain regulatory obstacles, calling for close cooperation between companies and public bodies. “We count on full governmental support — here in China and in Macau, but also in other countries and continents — to help create these strategic connections,” she stated.
Lusophone exports to China recorded their best start to a year on record, rising 22.1% to €94.3 billion between January and August of this year.
While acknowledging that regulatory changes can be difficult to implement, Amorim argued that the evolution of the legal and administrative framework also depends on the capacity for dialogue among the various economic stakeholders. “As long as we do not change mindsets, we will not grow. We have to create these partnerships. It is not easy and we are fully aware of that, but we believe in change,” she declared.
Amorim also disclosed that companies linked to the CNLP’s international network generated a combined turnover of approximately €7 million during the organisation’s first year and a half of activity.
She expressed hope that, by March 2027, the CNLP would succeed in attracting Chinese and Macanese companies interested in expanding into European, African, and North American markets.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=554988
