The statements were made in a speech at a conference organised by the Financial Times, in Lisbon, where the minister highlighted that "in a global context of profound geopolitical and economic changes, new patterns in international trade and of greater volatility", Portugal will position itself as a "safe haven for investment".

Pedro Reis also highlighted the importance that governments must give to "creating the right ecosystem for innovation". "There is no path to a sustainable growth model dissociated from a vibrant private sector capable of providing the necessary investment and innovation," the official reiterated.

In this speech, which had as its theme "How can the public and private sectors collaborate to accelerate economic growth?", the Minister of Economy also highlighted the need to invest in Portugal's potential with regard to renewable energy, stating that the success of the integration of sustainability principles into the structure of economic frameworks will determine "the trajectory of growth, but also the type of society" that will remain for future generations.

In the following panel, still at this conference, the president of AICEP Ricardo Arroja also highlighted that one of the agency's objectives is to "promote Portugal's credentials" and, taking into account the "high penetration of renewables in energy generation" and the relatively "low electricity prices in Portugal", there is a good "starting point for national credentials in the discussion on sustainability".