Macau and Brazil: from the World Trade Organization to a major gaming city

Abstract

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to review the present status and relationship of Macau to Brazil and to a provide the historical context for that relationship.Design/methodology/approach– This paper takes the approach of interviews, an extensive review of Portuguese and English language periodicals of Macau, Brazil, USA extending back to 1950s, and a review of the key secondary literature.Findings– Efforts to promote a relationship between Macau and Brazil since 1961 have been laudable, but have not resulted in either a meaningful economic relationship or systematic cultural links.Practical implications– Trade-wise Hong Kong is much better positioned to interface with Brazil than Macau. Brazil established strategic trade and diplomatic relations with China 25 years prior to Macau’s return to China in 1999 and without any intermediation by the city.Social implications– A strategic plan is needed to develop Macau’s links to Brazil based upon that country’s vast array of cultural strengths, which include sports, music, dance, religion, language, education, cuisine, environment resources, technology and the presence of a significant Macanese Diaspora.Originality/value– There is a shortage of analysis on the status of the relationship of Brazil to China, Macau and the Lusophone world.