By Yang Xiao, Wu Xinzhu
Jorge Torres-Pereira, Portuguese ambassador to China, is receiving an exclusive interview by China Economic Net on March 4, 2016. (CE.cn/Yang Xiao, Wu Xinzhu)
During China's ongoing "Two Sessions", China Economic Net had an exclusive interview with Jorge Torres-Pereira, Portuguese ambassador to China, on March 4, 2016. The Ambassador said that he has been following China's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) for economic and social development, and wished success to the process of the economic reform. He believes the leadership in China has been very firm and resolute in the part of reform.
Developing countries are keen to promote growth through stimulus measures such as investments irrespective of their market conditions. However, for China this phase of development is over. There might be some need of adjustment to find alternatives, such as the green economy. "We know that there is price to pay in the short term before structural reforms give dividends that we expect from them", said the Ambassador, who agrees that restructuring is to be accompanied by some pain when dealing with overcapacity. He also addressed that "to give impetus on structural reform is beneficial to those who are betting on the capacity of China's leadership to deliver the economic reforms."
China is Portugal's fifth largest export destination. Speaking of the economic and business environment in Portugal, the Ambassador said Portuguese government promotes the internationalization of enterprises and companies in a way parallel to what China has been doing. He commented the joint venture of Three Gorges Corporation (CTG) and Electricity of Portugal (EDP) by saying that, "in the perspective of bride in this marriage", with Portugal's rich experience, the two countries can jointly tap into other markets.
In terms of management, both Portuguese and Chinese companies are taking grander vision towards accesses to capital. "Simultaneously, we manage to increase the percentage in our economy of growth that comes from exports", added the Ambassador.
