Culture Beyond Borders | Wu Zhiliang: The GBA stands at the

（原标题：Culture Beyond Borders | Wu Zhiliang: The GBA stands at the forefront of global cultural exchange）

南方财经全媒体记者 施诗 李依农 深圳报道

At the 20th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF), held from May 23 to 27, Wu Zhiliang, President of the Macao Federation of Cultural Circles, shared his insights on Macao's cultural achievements and future contributions with an SFC reporter. Wu discussed the progress Macao has made in establishing itself as a hub for Chinese cultural and artistic development and its pivotal role within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The GBA presents immense opportunities for regional cooperation and development. Wu emphasized the opportunities for regional cooperation, cultural exchange, and international trade among cultural enterprises, highlighting how the region's collaborative efforts can enhance cultural exchange and mutual learning.

Wu also discussed the significance of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, underscoring Macao's potential as a cultural bridge for global cultural interactions.

SFC Markets and Finance: What achievements do you think Macao has made in recent years in establishing itself as a new highland for Chinese cultural and artistic development?

Wu Zhiliang: Macao has always placed great importance on culture, both before and after its return to China. This emphasis on culture has allowed the traditions of Chinese culture to take root, be passed on, and develop in Macao, fostering a society that embraces patriotism and a love for Macao. Since the handover, both the Macao S.A.R. Government and civil organizations have paid even greater attention to cultural work, achieving significant progress in various fields. Macao can be described as a city where culture is omnipresent.

Moreover, after the handover, Macao's rapid economic development has led to the establishment of excellent cultural facilities and venues, further benefiting cultural development. I believe the most crucial aspect is the increased awareness of culture within Macao society. We have come to realize that Macao, whether as a world tourism and leisure center or as a service platform for trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, fundamentally relies on culture.

Culture is the foundation and the soul. It's even more important that we think, in the process of integrating into the Greater Bay Area and participating in national development, Macao's most valuable contribution to China is its culture. This is, in my view, the greatest progress Macao has made in the cultural field over the past 25 years since its return.

SFC Markets and Finance: How do you think Macao can contribute to promoting cultural exchange between China and other countries and telling China's stories to the world?

Wu Zhiliang: Now we are in Shenzhen, which is the best cradle of contemporary Lingnan culture. Lingnan culture has been a pioneer in cultural exchange between China and the world. Within the Lingnan cultural sphere, Macao is at its core. Macao has always been the most remarkable performer of Lingnan culture. Macao has preserved the genetic lineage of traditional Chinese culture and has consistently engaged in cultural exchanges with the outside world, becoming a forefront for cultural exchange between China and the world.

In Macao, we have a rich historical and cultural heritage that combines both Eastern and Western elements as well as ancient and modern influences. We have the experience of cultural exchange and mutual learning, where each culture appreciates its own beauty and that of others. We have a social and cultural environment of harmony in diversity and a discourse system where we all have a stake in each other's future.

These elements are difficult to find in their entirety in other cities, but Macao possesses all these elements, which are essential for building a humanistic Greater Bay Area, enhancing the sense of community for the Chinese nation, and promoting the common values of humanity. Thus, I believe Macao can play a crucial role in the construction of a humanistic Greater Bay Area.

SFC Markets and Finance: Do you have any specific suggestions or opinions on building humanistic relationships?

Wu Zhiliang: Firstly, I believe we must revisit our shared cultural traditions. Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao all originate from Lingnan culture. We also need to revisit our common experiences from over 40 years of reform and opening up. During these four decades, we have developed the Greater Bay Area into a region with the highest level of openness and development quality in China, thanks to the joint efforts of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao.