On 3 January 2023, the ASEAN Committee in Lisbon Portugal (ACLP) paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Antonio Costa Silva, Minister of Economy and Maritime Affairs. It was our privilege and honour to be welcomed by the Minister and his team, Ms. Fernanda Ferreira Dias, Director-General of Economic Activities and Mr. Adriano Grandeiro, Attached to the Cabinet of the Minister.

Both sides had a very productive discussion on how to further enhance cooperation between ACLP and the Government of Portugal as well as the cooperation between the two most advanced integration - ASEAN and EU. Many possible areas of cooperation and global challenges were discussed such as business start-up, energy, innovation, science – life science, Indo-Pacific, maritime cooperation and blue economy, the Climate Change, smart cities and tourism.

A point of contact is established for ACLP and Ministry to continue crafting together activities and initiatives through available frameworks such as Global Gateway.

We highly appreciate the opportunity from H.E. Minister given to ACLP. Portugal to explore and deepen potential collaboration that builds on solid foundation of Portugal’s presence in Southeast Asia region and connect more sustainably Asia and Europe in the era of innovation, benefitted from strong voice of Portugal for Asia in the EU.