Portugal: A Technology Laboratory

Commercial expansion in Portugal, Sales outsourcing in Portugal

Although Portugal is a small country compared to its surroundings, it has the capacity to influence a market of 250 million consumers thanks to its relations with Brazil, Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP) and its membership of the European Union.

There is a new generation of Portuguese entrepreneurs who are committed to innovation and technology, something that extends to their population. This is why large multinationals such as Amazon, Altice or Vodafone, among others, test their new products and services in Portugal before launching them internationally or choose the country to open their new European branches.

Portugal is the westernmost country in Europe and one of the gateways to the continent, despite being a small economy. It has a strong connection with Latin America's largest country, Brazil, and has historical and trade relations with the Portuguese-speaking African Countries (PALOP). Being in the European Union facilitates access to these different markets, which represent more than 250 million consumers.

The Portuguese are hospitable, cheerful and communicative. Most are fluent in English and always try to speak in the language of their interlocutor. The country's gastronomy is highly appreciated and it enjoys a mild climate. These are factors that make tourism one of the country's main economic drivers.

Portugal is a strong advocate of technology, which is one of the reasons why many technology companies use the country as a "laboratory" where they test new products and services. This is the case of Altice (with Altice Labs) and Vodafone, which test products that are then replicated in other countries. According to Forbes, Portugal is considered the best nation in Europe for foreign investors in recent years.

BUSINESS CULTURE

There is a new generation of Portuguese entrepreneurs with a very clear vision of the future and who are great advocates of innovation and innovation. This is seen in sectors such as agriculture, industry and services.

Portuguese workers are also highly skilled. Proof of this is the constant demand from foreign companies for Portuguese professionals. After an above-average fall in the first quarter (-3.2 %), due to the confinement caused by the pandemic, Portugal has the highest growth rate (4.9 %) among EU countries.

WHERE ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES?

Commercial expansion in Portugal: The digital sector is the most popular sector for foreign investors and the main job creator. However, 33% of investors believe that the tourism sector will drive Portugal's growth in the coming years.

In addition, 25% of investors believe that the ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) sector will drive Portugal's growth in the coming years. The country has been the choice of companies such as Amazon, Google and other large multinationals to open their new branches in Europe.

Portuguese companies lead the ICT market in Portuguese-speaking African countries and have a strong presence in Brazil. Portuguese technology exists in more than 90 countries and around 150 mobile telecommunications operators worldwide use Portuguese solutions. For example, eGates, electronic gates that use facial biometrics so that the passenger's face and passport photograph are the same, is a Portuguese solution already speeding up passenger movement in more than 60 international airports.

Major global brands choose Portugal when it comes to car parts and the Portuguese footwear industry is one of the most advanced in the world.