The Best of Portugal debated in the heart of Europe

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Portugal wants to assert itself as a protagonist in the European project and on the global economic stage. In this context, the meeting ‘The Best of Portugal’ – which took place at the headquarters of the Euronewsthe European Union International News Channel, located in Schuman Square, the heart of European institutions in the Belgian capital – brought together businessmen, political decision makers and experts to discuss the economic future of Portugal. Throughout three panels, dedicated to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, industrial innovation and competitiveness, and presence in global markets, experiences have been shared, identified challenges and outlines strategies to strengthen the country’s role in Europe and the world.

Moderate by journalist Luís Ferreira Lopes, from Euronewsthe event, fully in Portuguese and broadcast live on Youtube, was based on optimism: «It is exciting to celebrate 40 years of the Treaty on ECA adhesion. Much has been done, but the challenges continue. I like to look at the half -full glass – we continue to row to the same side, working for a better country »commented.

Kathleen Figueiredo, Mayor of Commerce Chamber of Commerce and Madeira representative in Brussels, gave the starting shot, featuring the guests of the three panels and appealing to a vision of the future anchored in «Quality education since childhood, innovation, boldness and public policies that free our collective potential»without neglecting investment in science and creativity, giving voice to women and young people to go further «With ambition, with courage and purpose».

Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity

In the first discussion group, on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, José Casinha, from the management entity Domains .ptstressed that the Portuguese digital identity may be well positioned in international markets, with confidence and credibility, emphasizing the proactive monitoring of Zone .ptcapable of detecting sites malicious and alert the authorities. «We have to prepare organizations to prevent incidents, not only react when the damage is done». For this guardian it is important to consistency in these and other subjects, criticizing the tendency of some political cycles to undo everything that was done earlier, instead of building about the existing work.

Paulo Dimas, from Center for Responsible AI, argued that Europe has a unique opportunity to lead a responsible, human -centered artificial intelligence, creating next generation AI products, considering, however, fundamental, regulating its use to avoid abuse or social discrimination, but without locking innovation: « Regulation must be calibrated, flexible and protect the rights of people ».

Also Bruno Gonçalves, MEP, warned that « A reformist agenda is currently missing to streamline internal convergence and unlock the brutal potential we have. » And it drew attention to the impact of employment automation, advocating the requalification of workers. On the other hand, he said, «Portugal can use its energy advantage to attract investment and create employment» Also emphasizing the importance of investing in technological innovation, taking into account the social impact. The one that artificial intelligence will have is clearly comparable or even superior to the industrial revolution, as Paulo Dimas corroborated, for whom «It is a privilege to be alive at this time in the history of humanity. We are in a historical moment ».

Industry, Innovation and Competitiveness

At the second round table, Mariana Coimbra, administrator of TDGI (Teixeira Duarte Group), explained how the company has invested in technological solutions for building management, using remote monitoring and artificial intelligence. This bet aims to respond to the scarcity of labor and sustainability challenges: «This requires looking at the company holistically and betting on technological innovation to ensure a sustainable business».

Pedro Nunes dos Santos, president of Tabaqueira, recalled the evolution of the company from 1927 to the current bet on heated tobacco products, describing this turn as a «Change of paradigm»by offering products without combustion, potentially less harmful. «Our future is a future without smoking»he assured.

Already Paulo Cunha, MEY, valued the bet on a modern, technological and sustainable industry, which affirms sovereignty, especially in the semiconductor and energy sector. Portugal can contribute to clean energy for Europe, reinforcing the economy and the social state: « We have to know the environmental and economic impacts before making decisions, ensuring a modern industry that is sustainable and preserving our social rights. ».

Global Internationalization and Markets

In the debate dedicated to the presence of Portuguese companies in the international markets, Raquel Seabra (E-Executive Administrator of Sogrape) stressed that export requires base work, with visits, partnerships and local actions. He pointed to obstacles such as customs tariffs in the US, distinct labeling requirements within the EU and national bureaucracy, hampered by the existence of thousands of entities in budget management: «I was scared to learn that about 11,000 entities intervene in the Portuguese state budget – it is a clear example of the bureaucratic complexity that wages essential processes in the country».

Fábio Rosa (director at Boost IT) explained how digitization can boost sales, supporting investment in brandinglocal adaptation and technology as keys for international statement, as well as considering Portuguese culture as a success factor. In the view of this director, companies that can overcome obstacles-such as bureaucracies, complex international rules or market challenges-and that innovate, adapting and creating different solutions, are the ones that can grow and stand out: « Those who think outside the box are more successful. ».

For his part, Tiago Moreira de Sá (MEP) recalled that Europe is going through a critical moment, marked by three major challenges: the transition of global power between US and China, the revision of the international order with Ukraine, and the trade war that pressures the European economy, highlighting that it should focus on its own solutions, avoiding excessive regulation and bureaucracy.

The meeting has confirmed that Portugal has solid bases to face future challenges with confidence, betting on innovation, talent and more sustainable and open growth strategy to the world.