Message from the Portuguese Ambassador in Russia
I congratulate the CCILR Chamber of Commerce and Industry Luso-Russian, its members and governing bodies, and specially Mr. Bruno Cota, for timely establishment of CCILR, in a year when we celebrate the 240th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Portugal and Russia. More specifically, its creation and legal registration on May 9, the Victory Day, major holiday in Russia, which is certainly a lucky sign which brings many victories that I hope CCILR achieves within economic and commercial areas of the relations between our two countries.
I do not reveal a secret when
I say that the CCILR solves to a large extent my concern, which I believe is
shared by my Russian counterpart, that is to ensure that companies from two
countries could meet and associate around representative organizations of
national scope and jurisdiction, i.e., according to the best national and
international practices and canons. From Portuguese side there was a lack of
Chamber of Commerce and Industry connected with Russia that could be
incorporated into the large family of Portuguese CCIs operating in various
countries and have a legal basis in our country; which was solved with creation
of CCILR, when transparency and security is ensured, as well as a clearer link
to public interest, naturally respecting CCIs' own competences.
I hope CCILR actively
contributes to bringing together entrepreneurs and companies from both
countries, helping to identify and explore mutually beneficial business
opportunities, strengthening mutual knowledge of the business environment and
climate, both in Russian and Portuguese markets with high potential. What is
more, also in third markets where companies from both countries can act in
partnership, such as in Africa, Latin America or Asia. I also expect that the
CCILR and its Russian counterpart are able to contribute together to the
development and success of business component of the Joint Economic Commission
between Portugal and Russia, co-chaired by the two Ministers in charge of the Economy.
Naturally, the Portuguese
Embassy in Moscow will support, to the best of its ability and whenever
appropriate, CCILR's activities with the major objective of strengthening
economic, trade and investment links between our two countries.
Moscow, October 21, 2019
Paulo Vizeu Pinheiro
Ambassador
of Portugal in Moscow