ExporTECH, a project led by AIDA CCI, aims to strengthen the export base of SMEs in the Aveiro District, promoting their international recognition. Through a set of international capacity-building, promotion and digital marketing actions, the project aims to consolidate exports and increase companies’ competitiveness in global markets.The ExporTECH project, approved under CALL No. 04/SI/2022, is part of the internationalisation strategy within the framework of Portugal 2020, funded by FEDER and also supported by Portugal 2030. This financial support ensures the continuation of necessary investments to expand the international presence of companies, consolidating their sustainable growth.
Activities and Methodologies:
ExporTECH includes a series of strategic actions to broaden the global reach of SMEs, namely:
- International capacity-building: Companies receive targeted training to develop their export capabilities and enter new international markets.
- International trade fairs: The project foresees participation in global events and fairs, where companies can promote their products and services and establish direct contacts with new markets.
- Digital marketing and promotion: The use of digital tools is a cornerstone of the project, facilitating exploration of new markets and expanding companies’ global reach through effective online marketing strategies. A webinar workshop series on digital marketing was held to support SMEs’ internationalisation via digital channels and enhance team capabilities.
The strong participation in the webinar workshop series highlights companies’ interest in boosting their online presence in global markets.
In total, more than 170 participants attended events covering topics such as “Integrated Digital Channel Strategy”, “The Future of Digital Commerce: Marketplace Trends”, “Social Media: How to Position Your Brand”, “Digital Transformation: How Digital Marketing Can Accelerate Your Growth” and “The New Era of B2B E-commerce: Connecting Suppliers and Customers”.
These sessions were led by experts such as Nino Carvalho, Diogo Paixão from Wook, Isabel Fonseca from Hozen, Ana Chiappetta from ALIBABA, Rui Lopes from Webtools, Elizabeth Vieira from Euro’M, Helena Dias from Swonkie, Joaquim Rocha from SECI, Hélder Moreira from MORcode, Nilza Paraíba from Revigrés, André Novais de Paula and Ana Canavarro.
Watch the events at the following links:
- Webinar workshop “Integrated Digital Channel Strategy”, held on 26 February 2025, attended by 40 people, received an overall rating of Very Good.
70% recommend the event to others.
Presentations: Integrated Digital Channel Strategy
Webinar:
- Webinar workshop “The Future of Digital Commerce: Marketplace Trends”, held on 6 March 2025, had 30 participants. It was rated Very Good.
55% recommend it to others.
Presentations: The Future of Digital Commerce: Marketplace Trends
Webinar:
- Webinar workshop “Social Media: How to Position Your Brand”, took place on 11 March 2025, with 42 participants. It was rated Very Good.
69% would recommend it.
Presentations: “Social Media: How to Position Your Brand”
Webinar:
- Webinar workshop “Digital Transformation: How Digital Marketing Can Accelerate Your Growth”, held on 20 March 2025, had 45 attendees and received an overall rating of Very Good.
79% would recommend it.
Presentations: “Digital Transformation: How Digital Marketing Can Accelerate Your Growth”
Webinar:
- Webinar workshop “The New Era of B2B E-commerce: Connecting Suppliers and Customers”, took place on 26 March 2025, attended by 33 people and rated Very Good.
72% would recommend it.
Presentations: The New Era of B2B E-commerce: Connecting Suppliers and Customers
Webinar:
The majority of participants cited benefits such as knowledge acquisition, practical applicability, information gathering, professional growth, and networking.
Running from January 2023 and set to conclude on 30 June 2025, ExporTECH represents a total investment of €1,009,836, of which €556,252 is funded by FEDER, corresponding to 55% co-financing.
ExporTECH is a crucial initiative to enhance the sustainability of Portuguese SMEs, equipping them to face the challenges of globalisation and the digital economy. By promoting internationalisation, the project directly supports the competitiveness and economic growth of companies in the Aveiro District.
As part of the project, the Marketplaces Benchmarking Study was also developed — a strategic tool to support companies’ digital internationalisation. This study helps businesses choose the most suitable marketplaces for their export strategy, outlines best practices for successful online sales, and identifies risks, challenges and opportunities in digital commerce.
It covers global platforms such as Amazon, Alibaba.com, eBay, Mercado Libre, Zalando, Fnac, Otto, Carrefour UAE, among others, and sectors such as metalworking, habitat, blue economy, automotive and ICT/semiconductors.
More Information
Nilda Parreira
Foreign Affairs Office
T.: +351 234 302 493
n.parreira@aida.pt
Deolinda Costa
Foreign Affairs Office
T.: +351 234 302 493
d.costa@aida.pt
