India should look at Portugal as a stepping stone to Europe, Portugal Prime Minister Antonio Costa said.
Addressing the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Bengaluru as chief guest, Costa said: “Portugal has a classical position to provide access to key worldwide markets. It is in a central zone connecting the UK and other European countries.”
“We also have excellent ties with the US and Canada. We have connectivity both to Africa and Latin America. We have direct flights to 121 cities across the world. We welcome you to invest in our country,” he added. The Portugal Prime Minister said: “I am doing my part and contributing both to the development of Portugal and India. Members of Diaspora in Portugal are willing to contribute and support this cause. We are open to receive your contributions. We as members of Indian Diaspora are looking for best places in the world to develop our activities. I can assure you that Portugal is an open country that will receive you with open arms if you have ideas to invest in Portugal, work or study or simply for living. Portugal is always open to foreign and FDI. It is a country open to the world.” Antonio Costa, a person of Indian origin from Goa, touched a chord with Indian Diaspora when he said: “I like to go to Goa where my father spent his childhood. I call upon this vibrant Indian Diaspora to help promote cordial ties between Portugal and India.”
Boost for ties He said the Indian origin community is well integrated in Portugal and it’s contribution to the Portuguese society is highly valued and at the same time “I believe this Portuguese Indians contributing their mite to the Indian society as well.” “May be it is not by chance that I am the first person of Indian origin to lead an European country. As a tradition in tolerance to the world that international countries recognise, ability to interact with people of other origin, culture or religion is part of Portuguese DNA,” he said.
“Portugal and India have centuries old relationship on historical, cultural and personal levels. With this visit I want to renew this relationship to address present and future challenges,” Costa added.