ISLAMABAD: Portugal’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Paulo Miguel Guedes Domingues, has highlighted key areas for expanding cooperation between Pakistan and Portugal, pointing to tourism, education, culture, trade and people-to-people links as major drivers of future relations.
The ambassador noted that around 50,000 Pakistanis live in Portugal and more than 600 Pakistani students study there, reflecting growing connections between the two countries.
In an exclusive interview with APP, Ambassador Paulo said Pakistan and Portugal possess rich cultural traditions, historical heritage and diverse landscapes, but tourism exchanges remain below their full potential.
He said both countries should bring together travel operators, airlines, and tourism agencies to raise awareness of travel opportunities. He also stressed the importance of digital platforms and cultural activities in promoting tourism.
Speaking about Pakistan’s tourism sector, the ambassador said the country has significant potential, particularly in its northern regions. He added that Portugal could share its experience in tourism development, destination promotion and hospitality training.
He noted that a Portuguese hospitality institution is already working with a Pakistani hospitality school in vocational training.
On cultural cooperation, Ambassador Paulo said the Portuguese Embassy has organized visits by musicians and writers and plans to continue cultural initiatives across Pakistan.
He emphasized that cultural exchanges help connect people and strengthen understanding between nations.
The ambassador said Portugal will participate in the European Union Film Festival and is planning several cultural events in Pakistan. A Portuguese guitar player is scheduled to perform in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi in November. Portugal will also take part in the Karachi World Cultural Festival and collaborate with the Lahore Jazz Festival.
He further announced an exhibition dedicated to Portugal’s renowned poet Luís de Camões and ongoing projects aimed at translating Portuguese literature into Urdu. Discussions are also underway on a cultural agreement between the two countries.
Highlighting educational cooperation, the ambassador said Portugal offers opportunities in technology, medicine, engineering, social sciences and other fields. He noted that Portugal is the third most popular destination for Pakistani students under the Erasmus Mundus programme.
According to the ambassador, more than 600 Pakistani students are currently pursuing higher education in Portugal, particularly at the master’s and doctoral levels. He called for stronger university partnerships, joint research projects, academic conferences and scholar exchanges.
Discussing people-to-people contacts, he said the Pakistani community in Portugal has grown significantly and now numbers nearly 50,000. He described the community as an important bridge between the two countries, helping promote business, cultural and educational exchanges.
On trade, Ambassador Paulo said bilateral commerce remains stable but has room for growth. He identified renewable energy, textiles, information technology, pharmaceuticals, construction, mining and the blue economy as promising sectors for cooperation.
He revealed plans to organize business forums, trade missions and possibly establish a business council to facilitate engagement between companies from both countries.
Looking ahead, the ambassador said his priorities include expanding political dialogue, increasing economic cooperation, strengthening educational and scientific partnerships, supporting diaspora engagement and working together on global issues such as climate change, sustainable development and international peace and security.
He expressed confidence that continued cooperation would help Pakistan and Portugal build a broader and more structured partnership in the years ahead.
