Secretary of State Assistant to the Minister and of Economy of Portugal Leonardo Mathias is visiting Macau. During his trip, Banco Nacional Ultramarino, S.A. (BNU) together with the General Consulate of Portugal in Hong Kong and Macau and AICEP organised a luncheon attended by individuals, entrepreneurs and potential investors in Portugal. This activity was attended by about 70 guests who participated with interest in the presentation of the Secretary of State Assistant to the Minister and Economy. Pedro Cardoso, CEO of BNU, highlighted in his welcome address the role of BNU as part of the Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) Group, with a leadership position in five of the seven Portuguese-speaking countries, in affirming Macau as a platform for trade and investment between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Regarding investment opportunities, Leonardo Mathias indicated three pillars of the development strategy, based on European structural funds, industry and trade, transport and infrastructure. He also said that major reforms are still in progress, and that they are creating a dynamic environment for investment, in particular through the reduction of business tax, tax incentives for investment, justice reforms and the elimination of bureaucratic barriers. During his speech, Leonardo Mathias mentioned that the adjustment programme in force since 2011 has begun to show results. The balance of payments posted positive results for the first time since 1997. He also highlighted the main indicators to economic recovery and competitiveness, including the increase in exports, investment, private consumption and reduction of public consumption.
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