Welcome to the Official page of the Presidency of the Portuguese Republic

I am very pleased to be able to join the inaugural ceremony of the conversion and modernization works of the Matosinhos Refinery, not just because of the economic and social reach of this investment, but equally because of the significance it has in the process of strategic assertion of Galp Energia as a European sized Group.

For Matosinhos county and surrounding areas, this work is particularly relevant as an encouragement for its economic and social development and as a factor for the community’s quality of life.

It is undoubtedly a relevant investment due to the job opportunities it creates and is also, due to the multiplying effects in other production activities, to the opportunities of professional training and qualification it promotes, to the research and cooperation with universities and polytechnic institutions it allows and, equally, due to the positive impact it provides on other centres that are fundamental for regional competitiveness, such as the Port of Leixões or the Estarreja chemical complex.

Two components have, in this context, particular relevance for our Country.

Firstly, the fact indicating that, with the start of the production operations of the refurbished Matosinhos and Sines refineries, our exports will increase significantly and that, in the medium term, Portugal will become a net exporter of diesel fuel.

Secondly, the circumstance that, through its participation in oil exploration projects in several countries, Galp Energia already possesses the necessary oil reserves to guarantee Portugal’s self sufficiency for approximately three decades.

The vision shown by Galp Energia to detect and take advantage of such opportunities, its permanent proximity to the markets where it operates, added to a notable competitive capability, turn Galp Energia into a case of success that deserves being emphasized.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our entrepreneurial structure decidedly requires strengthening its competitive capabilities, based upon industrial and export based investment, in cooperation partnerships, in exchange of knowledge, in the adoption of innovatory solutions and in the readjustment of companies’ critical mass, especially in the case of SMEs.

In this perspective, three specific features of the activity and of the entrepreneurial culture of Galp Energia also deserve notice.

First, its persistent attention to oil prospecting in the Portuguese coastal waters, where several studies, surveys and seismic work have been carried out, with an initial experimental exploration well expected for 2013.

In second place, the consideration given to the policy of professional valuation and strengthening of skills and the constant search for young graduates with high potential, in a permanent exchange with Universities and Research Centres.

Last, but not by any means least, the consideration given to social responsibility, whether in the educational and health support areas and the well being of the communities, in the promotion of energy efficiency and defence of the environment, or even in the energizing of sustainable mobility and road safety.

For all this, congratulations are due to Galp Energia, its shareholders, management and workers, for having known how to apply the best of their efforts for the materialization, here in Matosinhos, of a project with great strategic relevance for the national economy.

Thank you