Culture Beyond Borders | Wu Zhiliang: The GBA stands at the(2)

Meanwhile, we should promote exchanges among residents, especially the youth, to strengthen our emotional bond and solidify our ideological foundation. Secondly, I think both the central and local governments need to implement strong policy measures. Through specific projects and the most appropriate methods, we should promote a common vision, will, determination, and action among the governments and people in the GBA across different levels and fields.

Thirdly, it's crucial to leverage the unique positions of Hong Kong and Macao and the advantages of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy. We must respect the cultural differences and diversity that arise from different historical developments in the three regions.

These differences and diversity should be our starting point to enrich our traditional culture and promote international cultural exchange and mutual learning. As long as we can form shared values and a common sense of belonging, I believe the Greater Bay Area can play a pioneering role in China's development in the new era.

SFC Markets and Finance: What opportunities does the development of the Greater Bay Area present for cultural enterprises? How will Macao promote trade among cultural enterprises internationally?

Wu Zhiliang: As I've mentioned, Lingnan culture is a pioneer of cultural exchange in China. In terms of cultural creativity, we should fully utilize our well-preserved traditional Chinese cultural genes. At the same time, we need to innovate and integrate different cultures. The biggest advantage of the Hong Kong and Macao regions is the support from China’s mainland and their connection to the world.

For Guangdong, this is an unparalleled geographical advantage. Therefore, the three regions must fully leverage their respective strengths to form a collective force, particularly by using Hong Kong and Macao to bring new inspiration to our cultural creativity and explore new markets. This is a direction worth considering.

SFC Markets and Finance: This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. What cooperation opportunities do you see between France and Macao this year?

Wu Zhiliang: During the Boao Forum this year, I had dinner with the former French Prime Minister. He particularly emphasized that Macao is the most familiar city to Europeans. I said that if we consider Macao a cultural symbol, it is a place easily understood and accepted by both Chinese and Western people. He also told me that he is very familiar with China and currently serves as a special envoy of the French President to China.

Macao is the most ideal place to promote cooperation between China and France and China and Europe. We have recently proposed to develop Macao into China's cultural Silicon Valley. On one hand, we aim to comprehensively and systematically showcase traditional Chinese culture, including the unique cultures of different provinces and cities, to highlight the diversity of Chinese culture.

On the other hand, we want to demonstrate the openness and inclusiveness of our culture. We have discovered that many Western cultural artifacts and dramas bear traces of Chinese culture and are deeply influenced by it. Similarly, many Chinese cultural relics also have Western imprints. If we can revive this tradition in Macao and further develop its traditional role, we can turn Macao into a modern cultural Silicon Valley where Chinese and Western cultures not only physically meet but also chemically interact. This would attract world-class cultural figures, institutions, and projects to settle in Macao, where they can exchange ideas, hone their skills, and collaborate on creations.

Simply put, if a Western artist creates a work reflecting Chinese elements, values, experiences, and ideas and then presents it in the West, it will be more easily understood and create greater influence. Joint creations would achieve a state of full integration and understanding. Therefore, I believe this year the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism will see several cultural feasts between Macao and France.

策划：于晓娜    

监制：施诗

责任编辑：李依农

记者：施诗 李依农

制作：蔡于恬

新媒体统筹：丁青云 曾婷芳 赖禧 曾昭发

海外运营监制: 黄燕淑

海外运营内容统筹: 黄子豪