In recent years, Portugal and China have achieved fruitful results in continuous cooperation across political, economic, trade, and investment sectors, while also expanding into diverse areas such as tourism, maritime affairs, and humanities. According to statistics, China's total investment in Portugal has exceeded 6 billion euros. As the Portuguese "Golden Residence" investment immigration program gains popularity in China, Chinese investors have become a major force in the Portuguese real estate market. Cultural exchange and cooperation are also increasingly becoming a new growth point for China-Portugal relations. Recently, the Chinese Embassy in Portugal held a symposium with overseas Chinese associations, hosted by Ambassador Cai Run, with the attendance of Cai Wenxian, President of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, leaders from over ten other overseas Chinese associations, and key diplomats from the embassy.
The overseas Chinese leaders shared their opinions and suggestions on how to strengthen the embassy's consular protection work. In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Cai summarized the current situation of consular work, particularly consular protection. He spoke highly of the important role played by various overseas Chinese associations in Portugal in safeguarding the rights and interests of compatriots and uniting the Chinese community. He emphasized that the embassy will continue to practice the philosophy of "people-oriented, diplomacy for the people," carefully study the opinions and suggestions of the leaders, further improve the level of consular services, and better safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the vast number of overseas Chinese in Portugal.
After the symposium, the embassy also exchanged views with the participating associations on launching the 2016 "Happy Chinese New Year" activities.