H.E Frederico Silva, Ambassador of Portugal ; Pakistan Can Overcome Current Crisis – Portugal Ready to Cooperate in Energy, Water & Other Sectors

“Pakistan has strong economic assets, a skilled work manpower and good natural resources”

“With adequate  policies and appropriate structural reforms it can overcome current crisis in the medium term”

Portugal ready to Cooperate  in Renewable Energy, Digital Technology,
Textile and Shoe Industry, Agriculture, Water Management, Education and Culture

Pakistani People are Hospitable -Businessmen,Tourists are Welcome to Portugal

Let us embark on a journey of shared progress, innovation, and cultural Exchange

Tazeen Akhtar + Mustafa Khan

Working with quality people of other nations opens new vistas of knowledge upon you and sometimes you come to know many things of your own region that you do not know before. Ambassadors stand at the top when we talk about quality people that is why I try my best to make a bridge of understanding and bring something new always for my readers from the intellect of the Ambassadors.

Meeting with H.E Frederico Silva  of Portugal was in the same connection and it proved to be fruitful in a sense that I succeeded in finding out some new points for further consideration and some historical facts that are still unknown in Pakistan.

Portugal, officially The Portuguese Republic, is a country in southern Europe, founded in 1143, occupying a total area of 92,212 km2. It’s the oldest State/Nation in Europe. The mainland territory is located on the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain to the north and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. Two archipels in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira and Azores, complete the today’s national Portuguese territory.

Ambassadors have their own way and strategies of working. Some go into the depth of their assignment with maximum utilizing of the time and opportunity and some just complete the tenure and leave without leaving behind any memory.   Few of them have different perspective of working as  diplomat and they have unique insight about the society and culture they are about to start their work in.

Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan and Afghanistan, H.E Frederico Silva is one of them who have studied Pakistan and its people deeply by traveling in the length and breadth of Pakistan before prioritizing his line of action in the line of duty here. His very first priority was to see the Pakistani society closely and observe the culture deeply before starting his assignment.

Knowing Pakistan

Ambassador has traveled to Karachi, Lahore, Peshawer, Taxila, Abbotabad, Murree and GB so far. He has learnt a lot about diversity of population, cultures, landscapes and opportunities where bilateral cooperation can be enhanced. He has seen local traditions and life styles. He admires Pakistani society as peaceful, family oriented, well mannered and welcoming.

Mr. Silva says , “My first priority was to get direct knowledge about Pakistani society that is very much diverse and culturally very rich, as well as an hard working one. I am prepared now to proceed to other fields of action working on the prospects of economic cooperation, commerce and investment, political and institutional solid bilateral interactions and dialogue, also at multilateral level particularly on global strategic matters where Portugal and Pakistan feel the need for globally harmonized action, including on climate changes, legal universal frameworks for Oceans and atmospheric space, cyber systems, green and blue economies, sustained development strategies, peace and security”.

“Last April we host in Lisbon the third round of bilateral political consultations with Pakistan. Opportunity was given to share views and positions on a broad range of bilateral, regional and global issues.”

As a student of history and career diplomat , he knows many facts about history of connections between Portugal and the region where Pakistan is located. When he was observing the Pakistani society and culture etc , we were watching him meeting the people from different walks of life, attending events and conferences on various topics and in the meanwhile building familiarity with potentially relevant interlocutors.

Our press group is working with the Embassy of Portugal on enhancing knowledge about the prospects of increasing mutual cooperation for at least last 10 years, I approached H.E for an introductory meeting and on the record discussion on the latest status of relations. He very warmly welcomed and spared time from his busy schedule. Here is our discussion for information of our readers.

Economic Crisis of Pakistan

H.E Silva believes that Pakistan has the potential conditions and assets in order to overcome the current economic and financial crisis because in his opinion Pakistan has a strong economy apparatus, a lot of talented and hardworking manpower force that can contribute in getting rid of the crisis, in the necessary framework of sectorial adequate policies and appropriate reforms designed and implemented at political and technical levels.

He said,” Yes there are big challenges but at the same time Pakistan has opportunities as well. Challenges helps you decide which reforms you need to introduce. Pakistan has to just see what reforms are needed and what priorities are required to work upon. Pakistan has the expertise and resources that are necessary to move forward to the solution of the problem if comprehensively addressed in a long-term and sustained approach.”

“Pakistan is in transitional phase at present. New elections are to be held soon. New journey and new cycle will start after elections. Good and bad times come in the human life as well as in the nations’ history. If economy is strengthened , the society will flourish. A prepared, educated and well trained population is key to face the collective challenges in befitting manner.”

Image of Pakistan

“Portuguese people mostly know the same about Pakistan what the media tells them. Good image and positive news are very important for any country.  People outside the country should know better the pakistanese reality, culture, history and dynamics.
As long as my personal observation is concerned, I had two strong and very positive first impressions when I landed in Islamabad, some months ago. One was about beauty of the landscape, greenery, mountains and the enjoyable design of Islamabad city. It is indeed a very well designed and beautiful city. Second impression was about people how they treat each other with respect and kindness. I used to go in my first days to ordinary restaurants in Islamabad to better observe how social interactions were. I quickly noticed how all kind of groups around the tables, families, teenagers and youth, groups of more aged friends, were naturally behaving and interacting in a nice gentle manner.

Commonalities

Portugal has a very strong European and world record in what concerns Football. This country is among top few countries who have produced large number of world level football players. Eusebio, Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo, just to name a few. Therefore it is not possible that Ambassador of this country remain away from Sialkot city where footballs are manufactured for international tournaments including FIFA. Ambassador have plans to visit Sialkot and the local chamber of commerce.

Only a few people may know that Portugal and Pakistan has a connection in cricket as well. The ball for cricket is prepared with cork inside it. This cork is produced in Portugal, first world producer. Portuguese cork is also used in many instruments , machinery , space shuttles and aerospatiale  industries, shoes, bags and garments, planes and dams, etc. Both countries have commonality in ceramics as well. I shared with Ambassador about the ceramics and pottery industry of Gujrat. Ambassador expressed his wish to visit Gujrat as well.

H.E further shared some common words in our languages, Portuguese vs Urdu and vice-versa. Examples could be Mesa – Maiz-Table, Chave – Chabey- Key, Xaile – Shawl, between many others etc. This happens as a result of a six centuries old historical connection leading to diverse and deep interactions between the People of Portugal and the Peoples of South Asia region, amongst many others in Africa, America and Asia.

Trade & Energy

To a question about trade cooperation , Ambassador shared, “Commercial flow is approximately $300 Million that can be increased by promotion of exchanges in so many fields, like renewable energy technologies, industrial machinery, agro-industrial products, clothing and shoes, pape rand celulose, metalic products, IT and hardware, amongst others. We have in Portugal as of today a mix of energy production from where 60% of all consumption is assured by renewable sources of every kind, including from sun, wind, river basins and ocean waves”

Portugal has been a pioneer in renewable energy, investing in solar, wind, sea waves and hydroelectric power, while Pakistan’s commitment to clean energy is evident through its promotion of renewable sources and efforts to combat pollution.

Ambassador added, “Pakistan is facing energy crisis. The prices of electricity are disturbing the consumer. Portugal can help Pakistan in renewable energy sector. Both countries can work together here. Pakistan has a lot of experience in textile and shoe industries. Portugal can benefit from Pakistan in these two areas.”

H.E responded to a question on financial transactions in trade as , ” Both countries have signed agreements for safer and efficient financial transactions as a public managed legal framework. Typically, investors and businessmen use the private bank system under the public legal framework of each country.”

Being Portugal a Member-State of European Union, the exports from Pakistan are benefiting of the very significant impulse of the EU program GSP+. Thanks to GSP+, Pakistan’s exports to the EU expanded from 4,5 billion Euros in 2013 to 9,4 billions euros in 2022, reflecting a 108% increase.

Business & Tourism Visa

Regarding visa regime , the Ambassador suggested that the businessmen in Pakistan and Portugal need to start building contacts in a solid and preparatory manner before selecting the targets for concrete contacts and action. They should analyze and discuss the business environment of each country before organizing business delegations.

“Portugal is a very internationalized economy. Our chambers of commerce, companies, exporters, importers and investors are working all around the world. Embassy of Portugal in Islamabad, as the Embassy of Pakistan in Lisbon, are ready to assist in putting businessman of each country in contact . The appropriate chanel to start considering business options would be, on the Portuguese side, an online contact with AICEP Global Portugal.

(AICEP – www.portugalglobal.pt – Trade & Investment Agency is a government body focused on the development of a competitive business environment that contributes to the globalisation of the Portuguese economy.

As a reputable business-oriented agency, with specialised professionals in Portugal and a global network in over 50 countries, AICEP’s mission is to increase Portugal’s competitiveness and reputation, by fostering structural investment and promoting the internationalization of Portuguese companies.

AICEP Portugal Global also includes aicep Global Parques, the Industrial Parks Management entity, which advises on the best location for investment projects. )

Mr. Frederico Silva  also mentioned the importance of tourism in Portugal, one of the biggest world receivers of tourists. He said, ” Our population is 11 Million and we are welcoming around 20 Million tourists yearly . It speaks about the tourism potential of Portugal and our welcome to the foreign tourists. The departments of tourism and universities of Pakistan can explore the prospects in this sector. They can have online contacts through video conference with our tourism agency ” Turismo de Portugal.”

(Turismo de Portugal – www.turismodeportugal.pt -Operating under the auspices of the Ministry of the Economy and Maritime Affairs, Turismo de Portugal is Portugal’s National Tourism Authority.

Responsible for the promotion, enhancement and sustainability of the tourism business, it brings together all of the institutional competences involved in making tourism more dynamic, from supply to demand.

Enjoying a privileged relationship with other public entities and economic agents in Portugal and abroad, Turismo de Portugal is committed to strengthening tourism as one of the main driving forces for the growth of the Portuguese economy. )

Portugal Pakistan Discuss Cooperation in n Blue Economy, Work Force, Trade Agriculture

Digital Innovation

Ambassadors says, “Both countries recognize the importance of harnessing the power of technology and innovation to drive economic growth and societal progress. Portugal has been at the forefront of digital innovation, fostering a thriving startup ecosystem and promoting research and development in emerging technologies.

Pakistan, too, has made significant strides in the digital realm, with a growing tech industry and initiatives to expand digital literacy and connectivity. By leveraging our respective strengths, we can forge partnerships in the digital sphere, promoting knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and collaboration in the fields of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and e-governance.”

Construction Materials

Made from noble and natural raw materials such as cork, wood, marble, clay and stone, Portuguese construction materials set themselves apart for their quality, versatility, technological innovation and sustainability.

Found in emblematic buildings and monuments worldwide, the products of this cluster offer a diversified range of products, ensure high performance and quality design, adding sophistication to the most daring works of modern architecture.

Additionally, integrated offers with complimentary lifestyle products create high added value solutions fit for the international market.

Environment , SDGs

H.E Silva says in his message, “As responsible members of the international community, Portugal and Pakistan recognize the very urgent need to address environmental challenges and achieve a more sustainable future.

By sharing experiences, best practices, and technologies, we can work together to mitigate the impact of climate change, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable practices in various sectors such as agriculture, water resource management, and waste management, making advance the path for Green and Blue sustainable Economy”

Education & Culture

In his opinion, educational and cultural exchanges provide an invaluable opportunity to strengthen people-to-people connections and foster mutual understanding between our societies. Portugal’s rich cultural heritage, from its historical landmarks to its vibrant arts scene, can be celebrated and shared with the people of Pakistan.

Likewise, Pakistan’s diverse cultural tapestry, spanning centuries of traditions and artistic expressions, can captivate audiences in Portugal. By promoting cultural exchanges, we can deepen our appreciation for each other’s heritage and strengthen the bonds between our peoples.

History of Bilateral Connectivity

Ambassador shared that the two countries have centuries old connectivity thanks to the navigators of Portugal who, since 1415, started navigating through all the world continents, being the absolute pioneers in making possible the connectivity between Europe, Africa, America and Asia and building strong ties and interactions with a big number of communities, peoples and regions all around the globe.

After surpassing Cape Town in South Africa, therefore passing from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean. In 1502, the Portuguese sailors went up East Africa, and arrived in the south Asian region, continuing all over the Asian continent and reaching China, Japan and Australia. In Asia, the biggest Portuguese settlements were in the today Indian state of Goa (till 1962), in East Timor (till 1998) and in Macau (till 2000).

Very well known in the south Asian region, Vasco da Gama, Portuguese navigator was the first one to connect Lisbon, in Portugal, with the Indian coast, in the beginning of the sixteenth century. He arrived at Calicut Cochin South India in 1502. He  opened up the sea route from western Europe to East Africa and Asia by way of the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. The famed bridge named in his honour in Lisbon, the Vasco da Gama Bridge that crosses over the Tagus River estuary, spans 17.2 km (10.7 miles) and was the longest bridge in Europe at the time of its inauguration in 1998. He died in India in December 24, 1524, Cochin.

GOA and GAWADER – Portugal Connection

Portugal’s presence in United Indian Sub Continent was not only in Cochin. It was not only magnificently found in Goa, Damao and Diu only. Ambassador revealed that Portugal’s presence has been noticed near Gawader as well. There are people there who descent from the original Portuguese settlers, around 1510.

Goa is a state on the southwestern coast of India within the Konkan region,  bound by  Maharashtra north, Karnataka  east and south,  Arabian Sea  west. Goa has the highest GDP per capita among all Indian states,two and a half times as high as the GDP per capita of the country as a whole.Panaji is the state’s capital, while Vasco da Gama is its largest city.

The historic city of Margão in Goa still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese, who first voyaged to the subcontinent in the early 16th century as merchants, and conquered it soon thereafter, whereupon Goa became an overseas territory of the Portuguese Empire, part of what was then known as Portuguese India, and remained as such for about 456 years until it was annexed by India in 1961.

Regarding Gawader on  the information of Ambassador, I further searched and found on www.jstor.org article of Sabir Badalkhan who writes ” When Vasco de Gama discovered a new route between Europe and South-East Asia , the Europeans increased their search for new trade routes. Portuguese on their way to India, captured several places along the Makran Coast (Balochistan District Gazetteer, Makran 1906:46). It was under King Emanuel, in the year 1506 and the Gov of the Viceroy Don Francesco de Almeyda.”

Jodha Akbar

Mr. Frederico Silva being a history passionate further shared that he received info on Emperor Akbar having married to a Portuguese woman to build good relations between the Moghul empire and Portugal. On this information, the readers can read more Goa-based author Luis de Assis Correia claimed that Jodha Bai — believed to be the Rajput princess who married Mughal emperor Akbar — was a Portuguese woman named Dona Maria Mascarenhas, in his book “Portuguese India and Mughal Relations 1510-1735”. Some historians say she was Jehangir’s wife and not Akber’s and some claim that there was no woman named Jodha with Akbar or Jehangir because there is no description of this woman in the biographies of both emperors. But Indian Bollywood released a movie few years ago on “Jodha Akbar” as confirmed history.

(JSTOR.ORG is the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society published by the Society since 1834 and is distinguished not only by its longevity but also by its consistency in providing a forum for scholarly articles of the highest quality on South Asia, the Middle East (together with North Africa and Ethiopia), Central Asia, East Asia and South-East Asia. It publishes articles on history, archaeology, literature, language, religion and art, and reviews of books in these fields.)

Closing Message of Ambassador

Throughout history, Portugal and Pakistan have maintained a good, mutually respectful and constructive dialogue on global and multilateral issues, also developing bilaterally a diversified set of fields of cooperation and  understanding.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the warm welcome I have received from the Pakistani people. The beauty of your nation’s landscapes, the richness of its cultural diversity, and the warmth of its people have made me feel truly at home.

As the new Ambassador, I am committed to fostering closer ties , exploring new areas of collaboration, and addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Together, let us embark on a journey of shared progress, innovation, and cultural exchange, ensuring a brighter future for our nations and deepening the bonds of friendship between our peoples.

Short Chronology

Nov 14, 1949, a 2nd Class Portuguese Mission was created in Karachi. June 27, 1952, the plenipotentiary Minister, António José Alves Júnior, presented credentials in Karachi.Aug 12, 1954,  gov of Pakistan decided to open a Liaison in Lisbon.June 16, 1958, a commercial agreement was signed .Sept 25, 1958, Portugal’s diplomatic mission elevated to Embassy.April 17, 1995, agreement for  promotion protection of investments.June 23, 2000, Convention  signed to avoid double taxation.

ENVOYS OF MALAYSIA, PORTUGAL, KOSOVO, LITHUANIA & ECUADOR PRESENT CREDENTIALS TO THE PRESIDENT