Chinese companies from the sectors of artificial intelligence, pharmacology, biotechnology and tourism have expressed interest in investing in Madeira, with some investors having already scheduled visits to the Portuguese autonomous region by the end of the year.

The information was advanced by the Regional Secretary for the Economy, José Manuel Rodrigues, following a five-day trip to the Chinese regions of Macao, Hong Kong and Hengqin, during which he met with dozens of businesspeople and representatives of Chinese companies. The objective of the mission was to promote Madeira as an investment destination and as a platform for access to the European market.

According to the official, the region's strategic position and the conditions offered to investors make Madeira particularly attractive to Chinese capital interested in expanding its presence in Europe.

During the visit, Invest Madeira signed three memoranda of understanding aimed at deepening economic co-operation with Chinese entities and strengthening ties with rapidly growing regions, particularly in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

José Manuel Rodrigues also highlighted the growing demand for investment opportunities in Europe from Chinese companies, emphasising that China is currently the main export partner for Portugal outside the European space. The official also argued that Madeiran companies should explore niche markets in Macao and Hong Kong, with special emphasis on export products such as Madeira Wine.

(Source: Diário de Notícias Madeira, on 8 June)