Given African countries' historic links with Macao and the use of Portuguese in Macao and some African nations, Macao can serve as a business platform for African companies, the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said today.

Mr Ho said this as he addressed more than three hundred officials, business leaders, academics, envoys and representatives of the United Nations during the opening ceremony of the China-Africa Private Enterprises Co-operation Forum (Macao) this afternoon.

He urged Macao businessmen to work with their partners on the Mainland and enhance economic development in Africa.

The forum is focused on enterprises going global through Macao, the discussion of opportunities and the implementation of China-Africa economic co-operation through the relationship between Macao and Portuguese-speaking countries, and prospects for the tea trade in China-Africa trade co-operation. It also serves as a market information and communication platform for Mainland enterprises.