The Hindu : National : Silva seeks boost to ties

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Sunday, Jan 14, 2007
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National

Silva seeks boost to ties

Prakash Kamat

PANAJI: Portugal President Anibal Cavaco Silva on Saturday expressed the confidence that the singular affinities that unite Goa and Portugal could turn Goa into a powerful agent in mobilising closer ties between Portugal and India.

Mr. Silva who arrived here on a two-day visit was addressing a economic seminar organised under the auspices of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)

Goa Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane, GCCI president Nitin Kuncolienker, Portugal's Minister for Economy and Innovation Manuel Pinho, members of the Portuguese business delegation and the Goan trade and industry representatives were present.

In a veiled reference to Goa's colonial history, Mr. Silva said: "None of us are held hostage by our history. We must, therefore, make of our historic legacy a common asset, instrumental to the relationship with a future that we wish to build up between the India and Portugal of the 21st century."

On the background of "the excellent political relations between the two countries," Mr. Silva found it difficult to appreciate that "the business ties and economic relations between the two countries have somehow remained considerably below the expectations."

Referring to Portugal's turn to take over the leadership of the European Union and the proposed visit of the Portuguese Prime Minister to India thereafter, he called for "reinforcement of strategic relations in the areas of economy, trade and in the area of knowledge between the two countries."

As a member of the European Union, Portugal was also a platform for a consolidated market of 500 million consumers, he told the business community.

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