This week in Beijing, the Chinese premier Li Qiang sat down with Portugals Prime Minister Luis Montenegro to celebrate two decades of a comprehensive strategic partnership. Beyond commemorations, the focus was clear: boost cooperation, champion free trade and power the next wave of growth through green and digital economies.
'As we mark 20 years,' Li Qiang noted, 'we have new horizons to explore together.' He outlined plans to align development strategies, expand high-quality Belt and Road projects, and dive into emerging sectors- think AI, green tech and digital finance. The goal? Create fresh growth drivers and help businesses from both sides venture into third-party markets.
On trade and investment, China is ready to import more premium agricultural and food products from Portugalfrom olive oil to organic wines. Meanwhile, Chinese enterprises are encouraged to plant roots in Lisbon, Porto and beyond, as Portugal pledges to roll out a business-friendly welcome mat.
Beyond economics, the dialogue spilled into people-to-people exchanges. Both sides want to make visa processes smoother, spark a tourism boom and ramp up cooperation in higher education, digital learning platforms and youth programs. After all, cultural ties can be just as powerful as trade deals.
Against a backdrop of rising protectionism, Li Qiang called on China and the European Unionincluding Portugalto stand together in defending a rules-based international order. 'As two major global forces, we must coordinate efforts to uphold free trade and safeguard the common interests of our peoples,' he said.
Prime Minister Montenegro echoed this sentiment, highlighting plans to deepen dialogue at all levels and explore new frontiers in tech innovation, green energy and smart tourism. Portugal also signaled its readiness to collaborate with China on multilateral stages like the United Nations, united against protectionist barriers and in favor of a more open world economy.
With strategic momentum on their side, China and Portugal are poised to write the next chapter of their partnership- one powered by innovation, sustainability and the shared belief that global challenges demand united responses.
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China, Portugal pledge to enhance cooperation, safeguard free trade
cgtn.com
