New Delhi, May 11 — Portugal is working to strengthen commercial ties with India by combining European specialised technology with the vast scale of the Indian market, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Economy said on his current visit.
João Rui Ferreira told ANI that his main objective is to create a predictable regulatory framework that enables Portuguese and Indian firms to establish and operate seamlessly in each other’s markets. He described the mission as building the institutional and legal bridge needed for companies from both countries to anchor operations across borders.
Ferreira described Lisbon’s relationship with New Delhi as one of “complementarity,” arguing that Portugal’s high-tech know-how, specialised talent and experience in areas such as machinery, tooling and renewable energy can support India’s infrastructure expansion and industrialisation plans. He said Portuguese firms have a significant opportunity to contribute to India’s development while benefiting from India’s scale.
A key element of the expanding partnership is the India–European Union free trade agreement (FTA), which Ferreira said is in its final discussion phase and could be concluded as early as next year. He said the pact would not only lower barriers but, more importantly, create a stable regulatory environment so companies from both sides clearly understand the rules and standards governing trade and investment.
If implemented, the FTA would give Indian exporters access to roughly 450 million European consumers, while offering European companies a chance to boost competitiveness by tapping into India’s market. Ferreira highlighted alignment between Portugal’s industrial capabilities and India’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” agenda, noting opportunities in renewable energy, digital transition and industrial equipment supply.
Beyond tariffs, Ferreira emphasised the value of predictability and common standards. “It is not only about tariffs; it is about creating a predictable and stable regulatory framework so that companies from both sides understand exactly the rules and standards of the field they are playing in,” he said, stressing that such clarity will strengthen cooperation in sectors like renewable energies and digital transformation.
Portugal, he noted, already draws about 80% of its energy from renewables and has accumulated expertise that could support India’s green transition. Ferreira framed the move toward renewables as both an environmental imperative and a strategic response to geopolitical instability and fossil-fuel dependence. He said energy independence through renewables can enhance economic resilience amid global conflicts that create uncertainty for businesses.
Ferreira also mentioned collaboration opportunities in tooling, machinery and equipment to support India’s industrial growth, and noted growing interest in Portugal as a gateway for Indian tourists seeking access to the European single market and Portuguese-speaking countries.
On global tensions, he expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, saying that stability is essential for business development and that the green transition remains a vital way to reduce vulnerability to external shocks.
Ferreira’s visit focused on institutional meetings and building personal ties, which he described as productive. He said Portugal has been a long-time supporter of the EU–India trade talks and is pushing to finalise the agreement to clarify and reinforce the complementary strengths of the two economies.
(This report is based on a syndicated ANI feed.)
