At least six memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in various sectors are being prepared for signing during the expected visit of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Portugal in July, the Portuguese embassy has said.
“Negotiations between authorities concerned from Portugal and Qatar are ongoing for the signing of agreements in several industries during HH the Emir’s state visit to Portugal next month,” the embassy told Gulf Times yesterday.
The MoUs will also include the health sector, the embassy said. “Since Qatar is eager to work with Portugal in the field of health, it will be easier for both countries to work together in this sector once an agreement is signed.”
The embassy noted that several Portuguese firms “are also waiting for the MoUs to be signed.” Citing a Qatar-based healthcare firm, the embassy said the company “is targeting cooperation opportunities” with its Portuguese counterparts. “And this MoU would be a good starting point,” the embassy said.
“Since Portugal’s health industry is known among countries in the US and Europe, the private sector in Qatar is starting to look for Portuguese companies in the field of healthcare,” the embassy added.
Last month, Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa was in Doha to advance Portugal’s economic relationship with Qatar, and to enhance investment opportunities with the private sector in renewable energy, construction, and health, as well as environmental industries.
“The main objective of my visit is to enhance the relationship between Portugal and Qatar and to exchange views on the situation of our respective regions,” Costa told Gulf Times in an earlier interview.
Costa also noted that the visit “marks the start of a stronger mutual interest” to increase interchanges between public and private sector stakeholders and improve bilateral relationships. “We have the same expectation regarding the visit of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Portugal next July,” he said.
He added: “My visit and the visit of His Highness the Emir in July will certainly contribute to reinforcing our bilateral ties. I am sure that another positive impulse will be given by the launching direct flights between our capitals, which Qatar Airways has announced.”
Gulf Times
05 June
