LISBON
Unable to attend the conference as she had to attend the annual Ambassadors Conference in Delhi, Singla’s message was read out by Indian Embassy official Amararam Gurjar at the day-long conference organised by Casa de Goa on ‘Sustainable development in Goa in the 21st century’ here on Saturday.
Pointing out that shared bonds of history could promote closer Portugal-Goa economic ties, Singla said specific suggestions from the conference could be presented to both governments for consideration to launch a concrete roadmap for collaboration.
“Once we have an action-oriented roadmap, I assure you of Goa government’s serious attention and the visit of a high-level delegation from Goa to take it forward,” promised Singla.
She described Goa as one of the fastest growing states in India, which “is growing above the national growth rate with 8.4% growth last year.”
“Goa’s economic growth and sustainable development is driven by strong performance from industrial sectors like tourism, pharmaceuticals, IT and green industries.”
Claiming that this would present a world of opportunities to Portugal, with its world-class infrastructure industry, she said Portuguese companies could be ideal partners in developing this sector in Goa through investments, joint ventures, consultancy services and technology.”
“For instance, one single flagship project like the $150 million Panaji Smart City project presents several opportunities to Portuguese companies,” said the ambassador.
“The fact that Goa has received Foreign Direct Investment of about $900 million attests to ease of doing business and investor-friendly ecosystem in Goa...it would be ideal for Portuguese companies to look at Goa as a starting point, given the familiarity of language, culture and the natural comfort level that exists.”
Stating that renewable energy and energy efficiency are focus areas for the Goa government, Singla said food processing, fisheries, agriculture, electronic manufacturing and renewable energy were other areas of Portuguese competencies for ‘win-win’ collaboration.
Moving to issues on environment, Singla said the Goa has committed to provide 24x7 drinking water to all by supplying 150 litres of water per day to each person.
“I am happy that Aguas de Portugal is discussing possible collaboration in the water sector and is awaiting a visit to Portugal by the water authorities of Goa to take discussions forward.”
Singla also suggested that solid waste and municipal waste management was another important area where Portugal’s innovative PPP model, best practices and technologies would find ready application in Goa.
“The Goa government is focusing on putting in place modern waste management and sewerage systems. These are sectors in which Portuguese entities and companies have vast experience and competence,” she said.
Describing tourism as another sector of shared interest, Singla noted that over $15 million is being invested in developing tourist circuits and infrastructure in Goa. She added that Portugal has emerged as a world leader in tourism and Portuguese expertise could be readily deployed to mutual benefits in developing tourism in Goa.
The ambassador also said culture and education would be a pivotal sector to strengthen long-standing connections between Portugal and Goa.
“Goa’s rich cultural diversity echoes that of Portugal and is seen in its priceless heritage sites, which need robust conservation efforts. The Goa government is focused on conserving and restoring heritage premises...however, there are challenges in maintaining these premises. Portugal’s support would be valuable and I hope this will be an area that will see greater collaboration, in our shared interest.”
