Portugal Economy Probe PEProbe

Macau, China, July 9 (Lusa) – In addition to comfortably complying with its objectives, Portugal confirmed its strategic relationship with China, Foreign Minister Paulo Portas said at the end of his eight-day visit.

"Portugal is one of the few countries in Europe that has this partnership and given the huge power of the Chinese economy and its enormous potential, it is clear that Portugal has every advantage in leveraging this partnership,” said Portas as his visit ended in Macau.

In practical terms, Portas said that the hitherto success of Chinese investments in Portuguese corporations could now have a multiplier effect.

Portas said his visit now "opened the way and that many other companies that were traditionally suppliers to EDP, REN or Galp may now become suppliers with a greater scope and scale to the Chinese partners of these Portuguese firms."

Whilst there were “still some hurdles to clear,” Portas also expressed hope that Portugal’s image in the country would benefit exports in particular the “especially important” ago-industrial sector.

Portas added that "the authorities in Macau perceived positively (…) the fact that Macau has a strong Portuguese tradition and heritage," before promising further developments would be announced “shortly” by AICEP, the Portuguese investment agency.

DM/JCS/KAR.

Lusa