The ties between China, Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking Countries should be strengthened, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Economy Leonardo Mathias said in Beijing. The official is currently in China with a Portuguese delegation for an eight-day visit.

“Portugal should strengthen its triangular relationship between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries – particularly in Africa and Latin America – where China has a strong presence,” Mr Mathias told Portuguese news agency Lusa.

Portuguese exports to non-European Union (EU) countries now account for 30 percent of Portugal’s total exports, compared with 17 percent nine years earlier, he said.

Portugal has managed to export more to other destinations than it did in the past, the official added, speaking on the sidelines of a reception in Beijing commemorating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the EU.

According to Lusa, Portuguese exports to China more than doubled in the past five years.

“Portugal has to continue looking for new export destinations, ensuring the recovery of its economy and public finances,” Mr Mathias said, adding: “China is the key.”