The Portuguese Ambassador to China, Jorge Torres-Pereira, foresees further Chinese investment in Portugal in high-tech projects and in businesses related to green and blue economies, the latter referring to a developmental approach anchored on sustainable development and utilisation of marine resources.

Mr Torres-Pereira made the remarks in an interview with Portuguese weekly newspaper Sol, published this week.

The Portuguese Ambassador said improvement in mutual knowledge has boosted relations between Portugal and China. He added that bilateral ties were “excellent” in the field of politics and “enthusiastic” in all other aspects.

The diplomat also said Portugal could play a role in developing relations between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. “A trilateral co-operation project will always be win-win-win,” he stated.

Mr Torres-Pereira said recognition of the economic value of the Portuguese language has been increasing in China.

“The potential employment of young graduates in Portuguese Language and Culture programmes in China has surpassed the potential employment of Chinese youths who chose to study another foreign language,” said the diplomat. But he noted that the Chinese interest in the Portuguese language is not only anchored on economic reasons.