NT Reporter
Panaji
The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) held a meeting with Manuela Franco, Ambassador of Portugal, at the GCCI secretariat in Panaji to discuss avenues for strengthening economic cooperation between Goa and Portugal.
Discussions focused on strengthening business linkages and exploring cooperation across multiple sectors between Goa and Portugal. Among the issues discussed was the possibility of facilitating visa recommendation letters for GCCI members travelling to Portugal for business engagements,
trade fairs and industry collaborations.
GCCI representatives said such a step could encourage participation in international events and promote business exchanges.
The meeting also discussed the feasibility of establishing direct flight connectivity between Goa and Lisbon, including charter services, to support tourism, business travel and cultural exchanges between the two regions. Another area discussed was the expansion of generic pharmaceutical supplies from India, including Goa-based manufacturers, to Portugal, taking
into account India’s role in the global pharmaceutical sector.
The chamber also proposed organising an interaction between information technology companies in Goa and representatives of the Portuguese Consulate to explore partnerships in technology, innovation and digital services. GCCI representatives referred to the historical and cultural ties between Goa and Portugal and said these links provide a base for expanding economic engagement.
Both sides also discussed the potential for increased engagement in sectors including tourism, hospitality, IT services, pharmaceuticals, food products, education and cultural industries. The chamber said it would work with the Portuguese Consulate to facilitate business delegations, sectoral meetings and knowledge exchange initiatives aimed at strengthening trade and investment links between businesses in Goa and Portugal.
The meeting was attended by GCCI president Pratima G Dhond, past presidents Ralph De Sousa and Sandip Bhandare, Sandra Fernandes, chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing, Rene Mendes, Sanjay Amonkar, director general, Kiran Ballikar, director, Ambika Kamat Dhakhenkar, deputy director, and Melane Rodrigues, assistant director. Andre Machado from the Portuguese Consulate was also present.
