September 4th, 2015|

It is with great enthusiasm that I speak to you all, on the day that marks the official inauguration of the Consulate of Portugal in Palm Coast, with the presence of the Secretary of State of Portuguese Communities Abroad, Dr. José Cesário.

It is a great honor for us, and a huge sign of confidence to welcome, on this very day, the member of the Portuguese government who has had over the last four years, the responsibility of ensuring that the lives of so many Portuguese citizens who have chosen to make the world their home, have at their disposal all the means necessary so that the distance that separates us from Portugal is always shorter, safer and, for many, less painful.

This is also the reason of our existence, as well as the mission of the Consulate of the of Portugal in Palm Coast, which has since the 1st of April, been at the service of all Portuguese citizens residing in Florida, and which is today officially inaugurated.
Mr. Secretary of State: thank you for your presence!

When I was appointed, in November 2014, Consul of Portugal in Palm Coast, – despite being aware of the inherent responsibility of this post – I was far from imagining what the experience of these almost six months at the Consulate has been.

More than just a place that provides services for the lives of Portuguese citizens, this is often a second home for many of those citizens. Here I’ve followed many life stories. Met unique people. Here I have crossed paths with true ambassadors of Portugal, who, for so many different reasons, live today far from our country, but that every day through their business activities, through their culture, through the Traditions, Language, History and this very typical and genuine Authenticity from Portugal, leave behind a strong impression of what is Portugal and what it is to be Portuguese, on anyone whose paths they cross.

I speak of men and women of Business, Entrepreneurs, Managers, of Retirees, and of citizens who one day chose to stay here and that every day are emotionally moved by being Portuguese. I speak of the Portuguese citizens who chose to stand by their country, even in difficult times like those we have experienced recently. Those who have never ceased to believe, to invest, to promote, and in their own way, contributed so that the future of all – the ones closer but also those who are further away – can be more prosperous.

It is with sights set on this future, which, in addition to insuring the needs of those who seek us are met, we strive to represent and promote Portugal in the United States.

With regard to investment and promotion of the country, after a difficult recession period, of which Portugal has come out successfully and has already initiated a process of economic, social and financial returns. Portugal has thus regained its confidence in the markets and investors.
It is now a country that is attracting strong interest at the level of foreign investment in many sectors where Portugal is very appealing, and American funds have been particularly aware of this reality, with some recent acquisitions of some of the biggest tourism developments in the country.

Several prestigious international institutions recognize these results. For example, the Global Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum shows that the Portuguese economy has become more competitive and better able to attract direct foreign investment. We have moved up 15 positions in the ranking and are in 36th place among the 144 economies analyzed in this index, ahead of countries such as Italy, the Czech Republic, Poland, Malta or Turkey.

Furthermore, we have achieved 4th place in the quality of our Management schools, 5th in the number of days it takes to start a business, 8th in the availability and quality of scientists and engineers, and even the 12th place in the overall quality of our infrastructures.
In the “Doing Business” 2015, ranking of the World Bank, among 189 economies, Portugal is the 25th country where it is easiest to do business, ahead of countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Japan and Poland. More recently, Portugal was highlighted for the 5th consecutive year by Gartner as one of the leading developed countries to deliver technology-based services, thus enhancing the recognition of our country by various international stakeholders in the ICT sector as a destination increasingly considered by companies seeking business opportunities, both in connection with the contracting of outsourcing services, as well as the implementation of their own operations.
These are remarkable results and have gained the interest of investors.

Throughout this process, Portuguese companies have also internationalized significantly, therefore our mission is also to support their arrival to Florida, within the scope of our possibilities and expertise.

Amongst all this, I cannot fail to mention that Portugal is the 20th most popular tourist destination in the world, so one can only imagine the hidden paradise it represents within Europe. Maybe also for the same reasons that it occupies this position as a tourist destination, a global consultant considered it, just a few weeks ago, as the best European country to have a second home because of its competitive fiscal conditions, as well as the “Gold Visa” program.

We definitely have many challenges ahead. Today marks only the beginning of a long journey.

Naturally, we are counting on the support of the Portuguese government, as well as all those present here.
From my part, and this Consulate’s staff, we will strive to live up to our mission.

Thank you.

Caesar DePaço
Ad Honorem Consul of Portugal in Palm Coast