The Outline Development Plan includes 11 references to Portuguese-speaking countries in relation to the role of Macao in the Greater Bay Area.
Portuguese-speaking countries are by far the most important geographical reference external to the Pearl River Delta.

Academic institutions in Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs) have a unique opportunity to participate in an innovation process with global impact.

They have the advantage of the specific focus that the Plan gives to relations with PSCs in the context of creating an innovation-oriented ecosystem for internationalisation, and they have the additional advantage of having in Macao a platform that greatly facilitates access to institutions, businesses, networks, projects and other platforms in the region. It is a competitive advantage that others do not have and which should be embraced.

On the other hand, the institutions of the Greater Bay Area have the advantage of establishing partnerships with academic institutions in PSCs, which are usually well integrated into their local innovation systems and globally oriented innovative business environments, and which will look at the Greater Bay Area for opportunities and mutually beneficial cooperation.

For a list of areas identified as priority areas in the development of the Greater Bay Area, see the Areas of Cooperation section.