Renewable energy, tourism and the maritime economy offer significant opportunities for closer co-operation between Mainland China and Portugal, according to Portuguese Ambassador to China Jorge Torres Pereira.

Mr Torres Pereira told the Mainland newspaper Global Times last week that “tourism is also a very relevant area [and] I have witnessed a rising awareness among the Chinese public that Portugal is a prime tourism destination”.

He said the Mainland had become a leading source of foreign direct investment in European economies as they undergo economic and structural reform. Portugal’s position as a technology and start-up hub, its transport and logistics infrastructure, flexible labour market and competitive income tax regime had helped attract Mainland investors.