1st International Business Congress: boosting Portuguese exports

The sustainability and growth of the industrial landscape require the opening of new distribution channels and the establishment of solid strategic partnerships across borders. It is with the aim of responding to this macroeconomic demand that AIDA CCI is organising the first international business congress, a two-day event focused on leveraging Portugal’s competitive position in the global market. The gathering, taking place on 12 and 13 October at the Aveiro Exhibition Park (Aveiro-Expo), brings together the leading voices of the governmental, associative, and corporate ecosystem.

With strong co-financing from structural funds, this congress has been conceived not merely as a stage for debate, but as a practical accelerator for B2B corporate business. The initiative features the presence of experts and representatives from entities fundamental to investment and economic growth. To understand the landscape of state support for exports, consult the official data from AICEP Portugal Global.

B2B dynamics and internationalisation panels

The programme has been designed to maximise practical utility for Portuguese SMEs, dividing itself between generating direct commercial opportunities and transferring analytical knowledge regarding markets with high return potential.

• B2B business meetings (12 October): The first day is entirely dedicated to active networking. Between 14:00 and 17:30, registered entrepreneurs will participate in bilateral 15-minute meetings focused on establishing alliances and identifying partners in the German, French, and US markets.
• Internationalisation challenges (13 October): The congress progresses with panels dedicated to analysing opportunities in these three crucial markets, led by specialist consultants, international chambers of commerce, and practical testimonials from entrepreneurs. Discover how our institution frames these challenges by exploring our strategic projects for the industry.
• Investment and cooperation: The afternoon period will focus on the investment and growth of the Portuguese economy, culminating in a roundtable featuring decision-makers from COMPETE 2020, IAPMEI, and COTEC Portugal, prior to the closing session and networking cocktail.

Speaker presentations and testimonials

To support the interventions that marked this event, we provide the official documents and presentations shared by the experts and guest speakers during the congress:

• Fernando Paiva de Castro (Opening Session)
• José Ribau Esteves (Opening Session)
• José Carlos Caldeira
• António Carlos Silva
• Simeon Ries
• Graça Didier
• Géraldine Dussaubat
• Jorge Santiago
• Rui Rio
• Fernando Alfaiate
• Jorge Marques dos Santos
• Jorge Portugal
• Fernando Paiva de Castro (Closing Session)
• José Ribau Esteves (Closing Session)
• Eurico Brilhante Dias

Photographic Record of the Event and event conclusions

To relive the key moments from the debate sessions and bilateral meetings of this international gathering, we invite you to explore the official photographic coverage and the final conclusions of the event.

Photographic Record (PDF)

Conclusions of the 1st International Business Congress (PDF)

Empowering your business with AIDA CCI

Creating an environment conducive to business generation and the exchange of experiences is the central mission of AIDA CCI. By affirming the Aveiro region as a central hub for European business activity, we open doors for local companies to gain scale and global visibility.

Strengthen the resilience of your exports and join a network that grants you privileged access to key market decision-makers. Find out how to become an AIDA CCI member and boost your international expansion plan with us.