The Chinese Mission to Northern Portugal took place last February 22-24 with the visit of an important Chinese diplomatic and business delegation (Chinese companies with presence in Portugal), led by the Chinese Ambassador in Portugal, Zhao Bentang, passing by Fatima, Braga, Guimarães and Alenquer. 

This visit was one of the first official Chinese visits since the end of the pandemic and served the purpose of strengthening Luso-Chinese relations, not only institutionally but also in the business field. The stops were, therefore, key municipalities and companies in northern Portugal. 

The organization was oversaw by the Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCILC), in collaboration with the Portugal-Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHKCCI) and the Association of Chinese Companies in Portugal (ASCP). 

On the first day, the delegation visited Filstone Natural’s facilities, an important company in the natural stone sector and a member of CCILC. This company, created in 2002, has an export rate of over 90% and a vast commercial contact with China, being since 2006 a partner of the Kingstar group and even having two poles in Chinese territory, one in Yunfu and another in Shuitou. 

The visit was guided by the CEO and CFO of the company, respectively Ricardo Jorge and Miguel Goulão. A nice welcome lunch was also organized in Fátima. 

The day finished in Braga, where the delegation attended a dinner party hosted by the mayor of the city, Ricardo Rio, where the major business associations in the region attended. During dinner, the delegation had the opportunity to learn about the main assets of the city and several opportunities for collaboration. CCILC appreciates the excellent reception and all the presentation of Filstone’s activity and facilities, as well as the magnificent dinner by Braga City Hall. 

The second day of the event, the 23rd, had the most intensive program and counted with several activities and events. Early in the morning, the delegation visited the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL, in Braga, and had the opportunity to get to know by the hand of the Vice-Director, Professor Paulo Freitas, the top research in nanotechnology developed in that place. 

The INL was founded in the scope of an international protocol by the Portuguese and Spanish governments, and seeks to carry out interdisciplinary research, implement and articulate nanotechnology for the benefit of society in various areas. It currently has the collaboration of 8 Chinese scientists. 

This was followed by a trip to Vale de São Cosme, in Vila Nova de Famalicão, to get to know one of the biggest national flagships in the textile sector, the TMG Group. With presence in distinct areas, such as retail, distribution of sportswear, aerial means and supply of car interiors, engineering, among others, the company also bought shares of the Chinese company HaMinGi (Ningbo) Automotive Ltd. The group was welcomed by Isabel Furtado (CEO), Manuel Gonçalves (Executive Board Director), José António Teixeira (Business Manager) and Vitor Fernandes (CFO), during a presentation on TMG’s history and current affairs. Afterwards, there was a guided visit to the factory to see in loco the degree of professionalism and quality that is promoted by the company. The visit to TMG ended with a networking lunch offered by Isabel Furtado and much appreciated by all participants. 

We would like to thank the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory and the TMG Group for the warm welcome and visits that undoubtedly helped us get to know the best that Portugal has to offer. 

Late in the afternoon of this busy Thursday, the Chinese delegation arrived in Guimarães. The Chinese delegation was joined at the city’s Town Hall by the Mayor, Domingos Bragança, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Portugal, Zhao Bentang, the Secretary-General of CCILC, Bernardo Mendia, and the Secretary-General of PHKCCI, Carlos Torres. This meeting aimed to promote economic and cultural cooperation between Guimarães and China and was followed by a protocol session at the City Hall. 

The group then moved to Quinta Castelães to attend the XX Edition of the Wine and Commerce Club, presided by Fabrice Lachize. This event, which included more than 200 businesspeople from the most varied sectors, was an exceptional moment of interaction among all the participants. Fabrice Lachize and Bernardo Mendia welcomed all the participants, introducing the Ambassador of China in Portugal, Zhao Bentang, who then gave a speech to those present. The common goal between the two countries in this phase in which the world economic environment is complex was highlighted, as well as the increase in bilateral trade and the encouraging prospects for recovery in China and Portugal, which will certainly bring more business opportunities. Xia Xiaoling, Economic Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Portugal had the opportunity to present the CIIE, China International Import Expo, and challenged the Portuguese businesspeople to participate in the next edition. Li Gaosheng presented Nam Kwong Portugal and the support provided to the participation in CIIE. Xiao Liang from ASCP – Association of Chinese Companies in Portugal told us about the association he chairs and its goals, not only in this specific mission, but in the cooperation between Portuguese and Chinese companies. Paulo Lopes Silva, council member of the Municipality of Guimarães closed the moment of interventions. In short, this second day of the mission was a day full of contacts and exchange of information that contributed to a greater understanding of the capacity and potential of the Portuguese economic fabric, by the Chinese businesspeople that make up the delegation. 

On the last day of the mission, February 24th, the group went to Alenquer, more specifically to Quinta da Marmeleira, Vice-President of CCILC. The Chinese delegation was warmly welcomed by the host, Wu Zhiwei, who showed them around Quinta da Marmeleira, which exports about 80% of its wines to the interior of China. These wines are also available in several e-commerce platforms in the country. After the visit, lunch was served, naturally, with wine produced on the farm. 

CCILC would like to thank Quinta da Marmeleira for the pleasant reception, as well as all the companies and City Halls that welcomed us on this three-day mission. We also thank PHKCCI and ASCP for the joint work that contributed to this mission’s success.