Mumbai: Describing India as a global ‘economic and social’ power, Portugal’s President Marcelo Ribello D’Souza said on Saturday that his country wants to prioritise the shared use of the two countries’ expertise in various sectors of the economy.
D’Souza, who is on a visit to India, addressed a meeting of entrepreneurs from both countries organised here under the banner of the ‘Indo-Portugal Business Forum’ by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), ASSOCHAM and FICCI. The meeting was also attended by Portugal’s Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva, Minister of Internationalization Department of the Republic of Portugal, Yurico Brilhante Dias, Union Minister of Railways and Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal.
D’Souza said, “Our priority now is to share your and your expertise. This is the right time. India is a global power. It is a global economic power, social power. It is the largest democracy in the world. It is a reliable ally.
D’Souza said that he had held talks with Portugal’s business delegation on Friday on key areas such as real estate and basic development. He suggested in Goa that there should be a government-government partnership to promote tourism between the two countries. Goyal said, “I believe that if we both work together, we can develop a small Portugal in Goa. We can make it a center of tourist attraction around the world. “
At the event, Portugal Foreign Minister Silva said, “I would like to say that the landscape of our relations is very positive. We have historical and political connections. Despite this, there is scope for expanding trade relations between the two countries.
