"We were here, we are here and we will be here. Our job is to ensure that everyone receives a timely response and, above all, that there is always a ‘we are present’ message in difficult times. Months will not go by without me coming here, nor without the Bank being on the ground — now rebuilding, then strengthening, and ultimately innovating, investing and creating the future. There will be no shortage of funding for those who do not lack determination, drive and ambition."
Gonçalo Regalado, CEO of the Portuguese Development Bank
Gonçalo Regalado closed the conference "
The Post-Disaster Future", organised by the
Região de Leiria newspaper, at the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, dedicated to analysing the impacts of Storm Kristin and identifying solutions for a more resilient and sustainable recovery.
In his speech, the CEO of the Portuguese Development Bank (BPF) presented an overview of the Bank’s response around 60 days after the storms that affected the region, highlighting the swift mobilisation of its teams, with the banking portal launched in just nine days, and the strong coordination with the financial sector to roll out the BPF Reconstruction Support Lines.
Gonçalo Regalado highlighted the simplification of the process and the democratisation of access for companies to these lines, which have already recorded more than 8,600 applications, totalling over €1.6 billion, covering all affected districts, with Leiria leading in the volume of financing requested.
As part of strengthening the response, he noted that the Bank is finalising negotiations for a new €1 billion line to support reconstruction, with the European Investment Bank, expanding grants and reinforcing pre-approved guarantees to facilitate access to financing for companies in the affected districts through commercial banks.
Reinforcing the commitment to proximity,
Gonçalo Regalado ensured that BPF will remain present and that support for companies will not fall short.
Watch the full speech → 