LISBON
TG: A conference on Goa in Portugal and your presence at this conference is clear indication that Portugal and its premier have a special fondness for Goa.
PM: I am happy to have made an honorary member of Casa de Goa, an association of the Goan community in Portugal. Just as Goa is close to us, India is also our partner in the great project. We are developing research and setting up new centres and institutes for innovation and research in deep sea, climate change and space. We are also working together with our group Ãguas de Portugal (AdP) towards the treatment and supply of quality water to the State of Goa.
Q: The conference discussed some difficulties and problems in achieving sustainable development in Goa. Are there any lessons or experiences that a country like Portugal could share with Goa?
PM: It would not quite say it is a question of lessons, but it is a question of cooperation between peers and sharing different experiences that we have. In this connection, our AdP has great expertise for collaboration in Goa.
Q: The conference on Goa has focused on four key issues: culture, education, economic development and environment. Would Portugal be willing to collaborate with Goa in these areas?
PM: We are available to cooperate in all these areas. I inaugurated a new Portuguese language centre in Goa as Portuguese is now a global language. We are cooperating in scientific matters and we have strong economic cooperation through joint ventures with Portuguese companies in Goa and through strong investment by companies in Portugal.
