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Business / Qatar Business

‘Portugal will strengthen business ties with Qatar’

Published: 25 Mar 2023 - 10:09 am | Last Updated: 25 Mar 2023 - 10:16 am
Portugal Ambassador to Qatar H E Paulo Neves Pocinho

Portugal Ambassador to Qatar H E Paulo Neves Pocinho

Lalin Fernandopulle | The Peninsula

Doha: Portugal is looking at developing business partnerships with Qatari companies through which it believes strong economic and people to people relations could be built that would bring about a win-win scenario for both countries and strengthen friendship, Portugal Ambassador to Qatar H E Paulo Neves Pocinho told The Peninsula yesterday.

He said the embassy will endeavour to promote partnerships in science and education, R & D and exchange views on cooperation for development with other countries. Both Portugal and Qatar have a very positive image in the international arena and we are countries that support dialogue, understanding and peace among all people across the globe, respect sovereignty and internal affairs of all countries, the rights of people and cultural and religious diversity.

On trade between Qatar and Portugal the Ambassador said in 2022 there was an increase in exports from Portugal to Doha. However, I feel there is a lot of opportunities for growth in bilateral trade. Portugal has a strong health and pharmaceutical sector, construction and home products, as well as porcelain, tableware, stoneware and high-end cutlery. 

“We have a modern agrisector that adapts to warm/hot climates, including green houses for fruits and vegetable production. Portugal has a sophisticated IT sector which could develop partnerships with the IT sector in Qatar,” the Ambassador said.

We are one of Europe`s most developed countries for renewable energy. Around 60 percent of our energy production is from renewable sources and we produce no energy from coal. We have a strong clothes and fashion industry, he said. 

Traditional filigrane is part of our history. Portugal has an ecosystem for start-ups, modern infrastructure, communication, office spaces and excellent universities for students from Qatar. 

These are some of the sectors that can be explored to increase bilateral relations. Portugal is a welcoming and a hospitable nation that has a mild weather during all seasons. The country posses excellent infrastructure, monuments, museums, beaches, shopping opportunities, golf courses, excellent food and the best seafood in the world. 

The Ambassador said there would be a high-powered business delegation from Portugal to Qatar this year. However, he said there is no exact timeline for the visit. 

The embassy hopes to finalise the visit of the delegation soon which would represent a wide spectrum of business sectors from Portugal which would help enhance awareness and knowledge of Portugal and the different business opportunities as well as a destination for tourism.