“After suffering several years of strife exasperated through austerity measures, the Portuguese economy has finally shown signs of significant growth and sustained stability over the last three consecutive semesters . In the words of a very upbeat Minister for the Economy, Manuel Caldeira Cabral “pessimism is dwindling and optimism is growing”.
His delivery was engaging, but more importantly very convincing. He acknowledged the hardship the population had endured, but observed that the country had emerged from the crisis with the comfort that, unlike some of the other countries which had required bailouts, Portugal had invested wisely on infrastructure and education and the country is now reaping the rewards of a well-constructed road network and highly rated universities. Continued investment in education is fundamental to our future.
The Minister was addressing an audience comprised of the BPCC’s Corporate and Executive Class Members, hosted by the British Ambassador to Portugal, Kirsty Hayes, at a lunch sponsored by EY. Guests took advantage of the opportunity to field a number of searching questions, to which the Minister gave frank and clearly well thought out responses; never succumbing to the temptation to dodge the more contentious issues such as the competence and morale of the civil service.
Once again, the British-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce was able to provide its Membership access to one of the most senior, influential and well respected members of the Portuguese government – but what was most impressive was the genuine interaction that this charming and approachable personality afforded.”
