Improving trade relations between China and Portugal, taking advantage of “excellent” political relations, is a key goal shared by the ambassadors of both countries.
During an online seminar called Promotion of the Fifth edition of China International Import Expo (CIIE), the Portuguese Ambassador to China, José Augusto Duarte, said that the political understanding between the two countries has always been excellent.
“China is always ready to listen and help Portugal, even in this difficult world context,” said Duarte.
According to Portugal’s top diplomat in Beijing, the two countries should work to “equalise the trade balance,” which in his view should “match political cooperation.”
“The organisation of this CIIE event, which is the largest in the field of exports, is especially important to increase and enhance trade,” Duarte added.
Speaking at the same event, the Chinese Ambassador to Portugal, Zhao Bentang, said that Portuguese companies are “very welcome” to join the immense Chinese market, and the embassy will “provide all necessary assistance”.
Zhao added that the two countries “have always maintained friendly and cooperative relations, and the two economies are highly complementary”.
China is a “large market for products with protected origin and high added value,” especially Portuguese wine, olive oil, and fruit, Zhao emphasised.
The ambassador highlighted that China has “sent a clear message to the world” that the country has “open doors,” and that China shares with Portugal “the same desire for cooperation at a high level”.
The Portuguese exhibition area will be increased at the fifth edition of CIIE, which will be hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce from 5-10 November in Shanghai.
In 2021, the event was attended by nearly 3,000 exhibitors from 127 countries and regions, and was visited by around 480,000 people.
The fair is divided into three segments: the Hongqiao Forum economic congress, national institutional pavilions, and a business exhibition divided into six sectors: food and agricultural products, automobiles, consumer goods, medicine and health, information technology, and trade in services, CLBrief reported.
