"Naturally, this year we faced a reality that brought us two major adversities: firstly, a series of storms and, secondly, a crescendo in international instability, particularly in the Middle East, with the increase in the price of fuels and other factors of production," pointed out the head of the executive.

Global challenge

Luis Montenegro admitted that "the challenge is enormous, but it is not Portuguese."

"It would be very good for everyone if it were only in Portugal. It is a global challenge. We have the capacity; we have a resistant and resilient economy today. We have a vision of diversifying our markets that enhances and shows that we are capable of overcoming this moment and making Portugal a more competitive and attractive country," he stressed.

Making Portugal attractive

For Luis Montenegro, making Portugal more attractive requires investment in various fields, urging the country to follow the Government's lead.

"To make Portugal more attractive, we have valued work, we have lowered taxes on people's income, on companies, so that they can invest more. We have a process of reforming the State with companies and with more agility, with more speed and efficiency," he said.

More dynamic labour market

The Prime Minister also has the perspective of a more dynamic labour market, as the most robust economies in Europe and the world do, and a transversal vision that values the primary sector and the natural heritage, including agriculture, forestry, livestock, and fishing.

Luis Montenegro also pointed out that Portugal was the country within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with the largest increase in incomes.

"This is already a result of this path, and we also want our economy, as well as the European economy, to gain competitiveness to be able to compete in international markets," he concluded.