On his first official visit to Mexico, Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho reveals that a group of Mexican investors, including Carlos Slim – one of the richest men in the world – have shown “interest in the Portuguese economy”.
The head of the ruling Portuguese coalition described his meeting with the investors as “very productive”. He was in Mexico for a two-day official visit last week.
“Some of them, as is the case with businessman Carlos Slim, have a deep knowledge of our country, and all the possibilities it offers,” Passos Coelho told journalists during a reception for the Portuguese community at the house of Portugal’s ambassador in Mexico City.
“I do not want to announce any decisions that are yet to be made, because none have been made, but there was a show of interest in the Portuguese economy,” he added.
Passos Coelho revealed the investors were most interested in the sectors of tourism, transport and energy – and he denied that the country’s financial problems and adjustment plan might scare investors away. “On the contrary, I was told Portugal’s behaviour throughout these last years is regarded highly and that there is great confidence in our ability to overcome these difficulties.”
He added: “The economic turning point which is taking place in Portugal, and the set of reforms which we have implemented, show that this is an important moment for foreign investment in the country.”
Passos Coelho said he hopes the group of investors will come to Portugal sometime next year, when both Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto and his Foreign Affairs Minister, Meade Kuribreña, are scheduled to visit Portugal.
