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

I would like to start by saying that it is with great pleasure that I am here today in the company of His Excellency President Abdullah Gül to close the proceedings of this Forum. I congratulate AICEP Portugal Global and TOBB - Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey for organizing this meeting and the bilateral business meetings associated with it.

The excellent political relationship between our two countries, which has been well demonstrated in the quality and relevance of the contacts that have taken place over the last two days, is a factor that enhances the opportunities for business cooperation and promotes the development of new business opportunities and investments.

Turkey, a country that is heir to the origins of world civilization, is simultaneously a European country, an Asian country, an Islamic country, a democracy and a key partner in the international community. It is a "cultural bridge", but also a "political and economic bridge" between two continents. An irrefutable commercial platform for goods and hydrocarbons, Turkey is a country of enormous geostrategic importance and great vitality, with a thriving global economy.

Described by some as "developed" and others as "emerging", it is certain that, since 2002, the Turkish economy has registered a very significant rate of growth, only briefly interrupted by the global financial crisis of 2008-2009. Despite the recent slowdown, the medium and long-term outlooks for the Turkish economy are, even by their demographic profile, very positive. Portuguese firms should be alert to the opportunities that this growth provides.

The increasingly close relationship with the European Union has contributed very significantly to economic development in Turkey, and successive governments have pursued, with vigour and conviction, many structural and institutional reforms. There are now a number of Turkish companies that are known for their robustness, strength and business sophistication. These are viewed as reliable and desirable partners.

On the State visit I made to Turkey in 2009, I remember how impressed I was with the entrepreneurial spirit and motivation I encountered among the country’s business class.

Portugal, on the other hand, is part of the European Union, this unique project of economic and political integration. An enormous European single market of 27 Member States with 500 million consumers. However, Portugal, due to its history, also has unique ties with the Portuguese-speaking countries spread across several continents, including Africa and South America, thus adding to its area of privileged relationships, this universe of approximately 250 million people.

Portugal is a modern, open economy, comprising excellent infrastructures, privileged natural conditions and highly qualified human capital. Following the crisis that struck the World and Europe, our country has undertaken a major effort towards macroeconomic and financial adjustment. In these difficult and demanding times, it has taken on an important program of structural reforms, in order to increase the flexibility and competitiveness of its economy.

It can be stated that the path of economic development in Turkey has parallels with that of Portugal. The European Union also played a stabilizing role in Portugal and gave strategic coherence to many institutional reforms that are essential to the strengthening of the rule of law, to the credibility of the institutions necessary for its operation, and to the actual consolidation of the mechanisms of an open and integrated market economy.

Portuguese companies that have experienced this evolution, whether in the financial sector, infrastructure, telecommunications, or in transport and logistics, energy, or new technologies, can, through their experience and their skills, make a very positive contribution to the present stage of development of the Turkish economy. Admittedly, because of their size and vitality, the Turkish economy and markets are now highly valued in all geographical regions.

However, I believe that strategic alliances between our countries’ businesses, which will certainly be partnerships between equals, may prove to be particularly valuable.

The Portuguese economy currently develops a broad range of industrial activities and services. The traditional sectors of production, such as textiles, clothing and footwear, as a result of the modernization process they have undergone, maintain a strong position in international markets. However, the Portuguese economy today has a strong scientific and technological component, such as software applications, information technology, robotics and communication, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and renewable energy. Many of our companies operate in various sectors in the global market and look with interest at the possibility of expanding into Turkey and, in cooperation with local counterparts, into neighbouring countries.

Trade relations between Turkey and Portugal, despite some positive developments in recent years, are still far below their potential. In tourism, the sector in which our two countries are very successful in attracting visitors, we are also faced with sluggish activity at the level of bilateral flows and investment, which it is important to increase.

Much has been written about the geo-morphological similarity between the Bosphorus and the mouth of the Tagus, which helped to create the conditions for the centuries-old prosperity of cities such as Istanbul and Lisbon, truly universal cities. The similarities between our climates are themselves evident, bringing together naturally many of our productive activities and cultural experiences.

A few weeks ago, I presided over an international conference on Portugal in the European and Worldwide Balance of Power. One of the strategic routes identified as particularly important, and also important for Portugal, was the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The success of States from both sides of the Mediterranean will be profoundly beneficial for our two countries. Through joint actions, we will have a greater capacity to achieve positive results, not only at a diplomatic and political level but also in the economic and business context.

I am therefore very confident of the contribution that Turkish companies can make to the Portuguese economy, in terms of investment, employment and trade – an effort that will certainly be worthwhile. However, I also believe in the potential for the expansion of companies and products from Portugal to Turkey, and all that our businesses, together, can accomplish in various regions of the globe.

The work of this Forum is an excellent opportunity to deepen the understanding and mutual trust between entrepreneurs, and to explore common interests and opportunities, bringing our economic and business relationship more in line with the excellence of our political relationship.

Therefore I challenge and encourage the Turkish companies present to work with their Portuguese counterparts in the identification and development of shared projects.

Thank you for your attention and for your commitment to building a fruitful and lasting economic bond between our two countries.