{"id":23398,"date":"2023-10-12T07:31:06","date_gmt":"2023-10-12T07:31:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/?p=23398"},"modified":"2023-10-15T08:52:17","modified_gmt":"2023-10-15T08:52:17","slug":"h-e-frederico-silva-ambassador-of-portugal-pakistan-can-overcome-current-crisis-portugal-ready-to-cooperate-in-energy-water-other-sectors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/h-e-frederico-silva-ambassador-of-portugal-pakistan-can-overcome-current-crisis-portugal-ready-to-cooperate-in-energy-water-other-sectors\/","title":{"rendered":"H.E Frederico Silva, Ambassador of Portugal ; Pakistan Can Overcome Current Crisis – Portugal Ready to Cooperate in Energy, Water & Other Sectors"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"“Pakistan has strong economic assets, a skilled work manpower and good natural resources”<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
“With adequate\u00a0 policies and appropriate structural reforms it can overcome current crisis in the medium term”<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
Portugal ready to Cooperate \u00a0in Renewable Energy, Digital Technology,<\/strong><\/span>
\nTextile and Shoe Industry, Agriculture, Water Management, Education and Culture<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
Pakistani People are Hospitable -Businessmen,Tourists are Welcome to Portugal<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Let us embark on a journey of shared progress, innovation, and cultural Exchange<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
Tazeen Akhtar + Mustafa Khan\"\"<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
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.<\/h5>\n
Meeting with H.E Frederico Silva \u00a0of 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.<\/h5>\n
Portugal, officially The Portuguese Republic, is a country in southern Europe, founded in 1143, occupying a total area of 92,212 km2. It\u2019s 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\u2019s national Portuguese territory.<\/span><\/h5>\n
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. \u00a0 Few of them have different perspective of working as \u00a0diplomat and they have unique insight about the society and culture they are about to start their work in.<\/h5>\n
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.\"\"<\/h5>\n
Knowing Pakistan<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
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.<\/h5>\n
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\u201d.<\/h5>\n
\u201cLast 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.\u201d<\/h5>\n
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.<\/h5>\n
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.\"\"<\/h5>\n
Economic Crisis of Pakistan<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
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.<\/h5>\n
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.”<\/h5>\n
“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.”<\/h5>\n
Image of Pakistan<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
“Portuguese people mostly know the same about Pakistan what the media tells them. Good image and positive news are very important for any country.\u00a0 People outside the country should know better the pakistanese reality, culture, history and dynamics.
\nAs 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.\"\"<\/h5>\n
Commonalities<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
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.<\/h5>\n
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\u00a0 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.<\/h5>\n
H.E further shared some common words in our languages, Portuguese vs Urdu and vice-versa. Examples could be Mesa – Maiz-Table, Chave \u2013 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.<\/h5>\n
Trade & Energy<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
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”<\/h5>\n
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.<\/h5>\n
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.”<\/h5>\n
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.”<\/h5>\n
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\u2019s exports to the EU expanded from 4,5 billion Euros in 2013 to 9,4 billions euros in 2022, reflecting a 108% increase.\"\"<\/h5>\n
Business & Tourism Visa<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
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.<\/h5>\n
\u201cPortugal 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.<\/h5>\n
(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.<\/em><\/span><\/h5>\n
As a reputable business-oriented agency, with specialised professionals in Portugal and a global network in over 50 countries, AICEP\u2019s mission is to increase Portugal\u2019s competitiveness and reputation, by fostering structural investment and promoting the internationalization of Portuguese companies.<\/em><\/span><\/h5>\n
AICEP Portugal Global also includes aicep Global Parques, the Industrial Parks Management entity, which advises on the best location for investment projects. )<\/em><\/span><\/h5>\n
Mr. Frederico Silva \u00a0also 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.”<\/h5>\n
(Turismo de Portugal – www.turismodeportugal.pt -Operating under the auspices of the Ministry of the Economy and Maritime Affairs, Turismo de Portugal is Portugal\u2019s National Tourism Authority.<\/em><\/span><\/h5>\n
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.<\/em><\/span><\/h5>\n
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. )<\/em><\/span><\/h5>\n

Portugal Pakistan Discuss Cooperation in n Blue Economy, Work Force, Trade Agriculture<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n