Former US president Bill Clinton has joined the list of those proffering economic advice to Portugal by suggesting the government restructure its debt as a way of attracting investment.
“If you want foreign companies to invest in Portugal now that you’ve emerged from the economic straitjacket, you have to find a way of restructuring all your debt”, the visibly slimline former politician told a packed audience of high-ranking dignitaries.
“Portugal has to find a way of restructuring its debt so that economic growth goes from 1% to 3%”, he added.
Clinton was talking at a conference on the global economy held at Lisbon’s European University.
Among many listening intently was economy minister Pires de Lima, PS leader António José Seguro and BCP banking president Vasco Rato.
Smiling as ever, Clinton congratulated Portugal on having passed through a “serious crisis” and said the country was now in a “marvellous place… free to construct a new future”.
“I think you’re chances are good”, he told the conference.
