Taiwanese official in Portugal Chang Tsung-che (張崇哲) stressed that it is time for the Portuguese government to open a representative office in Taipei. This was reported in the Portuguese National News Agency this week.
Portugal was formerly an ally of Taiwan. That changed when the United Nations switched recognition from the Republic of China, Taiwan’s official name, to China in 1971.
Taiwan however has been developing pragmatic diplomacy and has set up representative offices with many countries to maintain economic and cultural exchanges. These include Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium and other European countries.
Representative Chang says both Portugal and Taiwan should start by promoting tourism to develop a relationship. He says Taiwanese tourists currently travel to European cities that have direct air links with Taipei, such as Amsterdam and Paris. Portugal would benefit greatly if there were routes to Lisbon.
Chang also says more direct contacts would allow companies from Taiwan and Portugal to establish bilateral trade relations. He says he is confident that the two countries will strengthen cooperation with Portugal’s advanced renewable energy technology and Taiwan's high-tech industries.