Pedro Reis, Portugal’s minister for economic affairs, conveyed Portugal’s strong desire to be incorporated into the category of nations benefiting from China visa exemption.
Speaking to Lusa in Macau, where he is representing Portugal at the 6th ministerial conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese language Countries, Reis expressed Portugal’s aspiration to enjoy the same privileges as other nations.
Earlier in March, the Chinese government expanded its visa-free policy to encompass six European nations, including Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. This extension followed a similar gesture toward Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and the Netherlands at the close of the preceding year.
Portugal, however, remains excluded, a notable absence among Western European countries whose citizens are granted visa exemption for entry into China. This exclusion could be linked to Portugal’s stance on 5G technology.