Dignitaries and Consul Members at the Welcome Reception for H.E. Mr. João Ribeiro de Almeida, Ambassador of Portugal to India, hosted by MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and All India Association of Industries.
Dignitaries and Consul Members at the Welcome Reception for H.E. Mr. João Ribeiro de Almeida, Ambassador of Portugal to India, hosted by MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and All India Association of Industries.
Portugal believes in Multilateralism and is a safe investment destination for trade, investment and tourism. We are keen to strengthen our bilateral ties in regards to our long standing historical relation between Portugal and India which is over 500-Years of Legacy said H.E. Mr. João Ribeiro de Almeida, Ambassador of Portugal to India while addressing the All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai.
H.E. Mr. Almeida said there is a historical connection between Portugal and Mumbai, as an influential city name besides historical and cultural contacts and wants to reaffirm our growing partnership to attract investment in Portugal. The partnership has evolved from a colonial legacy to a modern, forward looking co-operation across strategic areas such as Pharmaceutical, automotive, technology, life sciences, wellness, tourism, marine, research, nanotechnology, cultural co-operation, start-ups and other sectors.
Today we mark the 50th anniversary of re-establishing our diplomatic relations between India and Portugal — a milestone that reflects the strength of our economic and cultural ties,” added H.E. Mr. Almeida.
H.E. Mr. Almeida said while encouraging tourism and investment opportunities we are also considering to ease visa regulation to support business mobility and investment further assured and said you may feel Portugal as a second home for investment and experience yourself. Today we need to strengthen our ties in the field of innovation in the new global world of business and investment opportunities and once the India EU agreement is signed by India it will boost the India-Portugal commercial ties added H.E. Mr. Almeida.
Mr. Miguel CM Crespo, Economic and Trade Counsellor to India, underscored the Portugal’s stable and diversified economy, with particular strengths in exploring business between India and Portugal for a mutually beneficial ventures, stating: “Portugal and India share a rich cultural bond, rooted in history, but our future lies in global cooperation and innovation to build foundation for tomorrow.”
He further said that the symbolic significance of Porto, the Portuguese city known for its iconic port wine, and expressed optimism for future collaboration in various areas.
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and Chairman – WTC Mumbai said that today trade has surpassed $1.5 billion and can double in next 5 years in view of the various opportunities offered by the Portugal in the field of the sectors where India has the expertise to work on.
Dr. Kalantri added that Portugal can also be used as a hub for manufacturing and expanding trade across Europe and other countries and further added that the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi and Mr. Om Birla Speaker of Lok Sabha, has visited Portugal. During the Hon’ble Prime Ministers visit India has signed 11 MoUs especially in important sectors including science and technology, innovations, space, youth and sports and Startups.
Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman MVIRDC World Trade Center and Hon. Consul of Portugal highlighted the rich economic culture and landscape, its strong global presence, and the promising business opportunities in sectors like marble, wine, and tourism. He acknowledged existing bilateral agreements and encouraged deep collaboration between India and Portugal in the future in view of the existing bilateral agreements.