Companies and institutions from China and Portugal met last week in Chengdu, in the Chinese province of Sichuan, to explore co-operation opportunities in the agri-food, business consultancy, legal services and higher education sectors.

The Portuguese delegation included 11 companies, as well as representatives of the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency (AICEP), the Portuguese-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCILC) and the Castelo Branco Municipal Council.

Portugal's ambassador to China, Manuel Cansado de Carvalho, highlighted the importance of bilateral co-operation and said he hoped to establish new trade partnerships.

The CCILC's secretary-general, Bernardo Mendia, called for concrete contacts with potential partners and a sustained presence in the Chinese market. The chamber plans to open a representative office in Chongqing to strengthen co-operation with south-west China.

The Portuguese brand Delta Cafés intends to open, in 2027, its first flagship store in China, in Chongqing. The company's director-general in China, Joaquim Frederico, highlighted the growth potential of the Chinese market. The brand also intends to explore the Chengdu market.

Organised by the Chengdu Foreign Affairs Office, the event included presentations by the local authorities and direct meetings between companies from the two countries.

(Source: Brasil 247, 28 October)