Cultural links add vitality to relationship

From an economic point of view, Portugal's future is linked with Europe, where the bulk of its exports are headed, but the economic and cultural relationship with Asia is no less important, Consul-General of Portugal, Dr Emidio da Veiga Domingos, says.

Portugal's links with Hong Kong go back more than 150 years. 'It is said that in 1848, there were about 300 Portuguese in Hong Kong, and in 1860 the number increased to 800.'

Today, there are more than 50,000 people of Portuguese nationality, while Portuguese with European roots add up to around 1,000. This community, especially its professionals, have made a valuable contribution to Hong Kong in many spheres, he says.

Some have held important office in the legislature, the judiciary, civil service, public sector bodies, social and cultural fields and the private sector.

'Some of the Portuguese pioneers in the agriculture and botanical fields created Club Lusitano in 1865,' Dr Veiga Domingos said. 'The first honorary consulate was established in Hong Kong in 1897.'

Portugal's relationship with Macau, however, goes back four centuries. 'Chinese authorities sanctioned a Portuguese settlement in Macau in 1557,' he said.

Bilateral relations between Portugal and Hong Kong have led to stronger co-operation. Last month, Portugal's Foreign Minister, Jaime Gama, and Secretary for Security, Regina Ip Lau Suk- yee, signed an important agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, Surrender of Fugitive Offenders, and Transfer of Sentenced Persons, Dr Veiga Domingos said. An air services agreement is being negotiated.