The Secretary of State for the Portuguese Communities participated, at the border of Vilar Formoso, in the municipality of Almeida, in the district of Guarda, in a welcome action for emigrants who were coming back into Portugal to enjoy their summer holidays.

“We always welcome them with open arms. Not only because they are representatives of the country in other countries, they are ambassadors of our culture and our identity, but they also bring to Portugal much of the culture they learn in the countries where they live and this enriches our country”, said Paulo Cafofo to the Lusa, highlighting that there are five million Portuguese and Portuguese descendants abroad.

Asked about the importance of emigrants to the national economy, the official recalled that the Government has a program to support investment by the diaspora so that “they can invest and contribute to the development of their country”, but also during holidays “they are important in boosting the local economy”.