With the opening of its Portuguese representative office (in Lisbon), BCC has added yet another star to an already shining firmament.
In recent years the country's economic and political background has been rebuilt, and the present government is preparing to take Portugal into the EEC in 1984. Old trading ties with Angola, Mozambique, China, India and, of course, Brazil have been renewed and Lisbon has again established itself as a potent force in the Third World. Portugal is poised to become an influential world voice once again.
Following this trend towards new trade and development, the banking system has also experienced a renaissance, and it is here that BCC will play its part. New legislation is under way to enable international banks such as BCC to compete with Portugal's own nationalised banking establishments. Neither BCC nor Portugal are strangers to the problems facing developing nations. Both the bank and the country have a profound involvement with the Third World, and together they can make a worthwhile impression on this, the world of tomorrow. Stemming from the Moorish influence on Portugal, strong links bind the country to the Middle East and North Africa.
The Portuguese held a physical presence in Africa for over 400 years. Although unknown, or forgotten, by most of the Western world, these powerful ties have not been overlooked by BCC. The unique significance that this ancient country has for so much of the Third World is something that we can develop and benefit from. Our strengths and Portugal's contacts will bridge the many gulfs that currently exist between the developing nations.
Read the full issue here: BCC International - No. 8