IDEX A Successful International Defence Exhibition: Portuguese Minister

Eurico Dias, Portuguese Minister of Economic Affairs, stated that the International Defence Exhibition, IDEX 2019, is one of the most successful defence exhibitions in the world

ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 20th Feb, 2019) Eurico Dias, Portuguese Minister of Economic Affairs, stated that the International Defence Exhibition, IDEX 2019, is one of the most successful defence exhibitions in the world.

He also described the relations between the UAE and Portugal as prosperous while highlighting the importance of strengthening them in the areas of energy, industry, transport, sports, technology, culture and communication and trade.

In statements to the Emirates news Agency, WAM, during his visit to the exhibition, Dias praised the UAE’s hosting of the event, which is successful regionally and internationally while affirming the Portuguese government’s desire to strengthen its trade relations with the UAE.

He added that Portugal’s participation in IDEX 2019 marks a new era in the history of Emirati-Portuguese relations while explaining that their close ties have reflected positively on the value of the commercial exchange between them, reaching US$500 million in 2018.

Dias also noted that Portugal will participate in the Expo 2020 Dubai, through an integrated pavilion that will showcase its rich culture, community and developing economy while pointing out that he visited the exhibition’s location and expressed his admiration for its buildings, infrastructure and services facilities.

He further added that his country’s participation in the exhibition will aim to showcase Portuguese culture to Gulf countries, as well as his country’s stature as a modern country, which has many benefits to offer to the world.

Dias stressed that there are hundreds of Portuguese companies working in the UAE in various sectors, including in the services, trade and infrastructure sectors while affirming that his country attracts Emirati and international investors, due to its strategic location between Latin America, Africa and Europe, as well as its skilled labour force.

He then spoke about Portugal’s economic policies over the last six years, which have achieved prosperity and enabled Portugal to record significant growth, through adopting integrated strategies for diversifying its economic sources and encouraging the private sector to invest in programming, renewable energy, technology, small and medium-sized industries, and infrastructure.