more prosperous and efficient growth model through the regenerative use of resources within the

limits of natural systems.

We need the active involvement of all parliaments in addressing the issues of the 2030 Agenda and

the Sustainable Development Goals.

Allow me to share some words about Portugal. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant

decrease in industry turnover, which fell by 8.7% in April 2020. In what concerns services, the most

affected sector was undoubtedly tourism. All this was accompanied by the deterioration of the

labour market with a rise in unemployment and in the number of workers on lay-off.

To face this scenario, a 10-year economic recovery plan (2020-2030) is currently underway. This

plan defines guidelines for public policies, involving the different economic sectors, listing ideas and

structuring projects to rebuild the country.

Allow me to stress this word – cooperation. Cooperation instead of individualism, multilateralism

instead of unilateralism, and solidarity over cooperation are key to winning the battle against

COVID-19. We need to cooperate to make vaccines equitably accessible around the world, we must

make regional agreements work to improve the funding of recovery plans and promote rational

decision-making by global trade agencies, and we need to strengthen coordination between

Member States on issues such as health and the movement of people, especially in areas that have

an impact on the tourism industry and related sectors.

We must rebuild a stable economy, a recovery model that fosters more resilient, inclusive and

sustainable trade between countries, as well as new forms of economic cooperation.

Thank you all.

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