By Libya Herald staff.
Tripoli, 10 June 2014:
Libya’s Privatization and Investment Board (PIB) Chairman Muftah Belrakha and Western Region Manager Mohamed Nooha . . .[restrict]attended the Arab-Portuguese Economic Forum in Lisbon 3-4 June 2014.
The 2nd Annual Forum was organised by the Arab Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIAP), in cooperation with the General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture for Arab Countries, and the League of Arab States.
The Forum was attended by was attended by heads of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions in Portugal, Arab and Portuguese entrepreneurs and businessmen, bank representatives, Arab investment authorities, and representatives of Arab governmental financial institutions and organizations.
Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Passos and Portuguese President Anibal Antonio Cavaco Silva addressed the attendees at the opening ceremonies of the event.
According to the CCIAP website, the event focused on cooperation in sectors such as energy, tourism, infrastructure and agro-food. Growth strategies for business development were discussed. Bilateral meetings between Arab and Portuguese entrepreneurs were held.
The main objectives of the forum, as listed on the CCIAP website, included illuminating the present opportunities for business in the 22 countries of the League of Arab States and Portugal; identifying investment opportunities in Arab and Portuguese markets; increasing the competitiveness of Portuguese companies in Arab markets; providing a platform for networking and establishing partnerships.
The CCIAP stated on its website, “Economic and trade relations between Portugal and the 22 countries of the League of Arab States were always admirable, and the volume of trade between the two peoples has more than doubled in the last decade.”
According to the website, “Portuguese exports to the 22 countries of the League of Arab States have been growing year after year, making this time (year 2013), about 4.27% of the total exports from Portugal to the world. The 22 countries in the League of Arab States, with over 400 million inhabitants and potential consumers, hold unique opportunities for the internationalization of Portuguese companies.” [/restrict]
