AICEP - Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency

🇵🇹👠🎬 Portuguese fashion brand Alameda Turquesa is taking Portuguese design to Hollywood with a feature in The Devil Wears Prada 2. Founded by Ana and Carolina Santos, the Porto-based brand joins the highly anticipated sequel to one of fashion cinema’s most iconic films, after several of its pieces were selected by the production team for the movie’s wardrobe. Over the years, Alameda Turquesa has built an increasingly international presence, with names such as Kylie Jenner, Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Cindy Crawford and Katy Perry among the personalities who have worn the brand. 🌍The feature highlights the growing international visibility of Portuguese fashion and design on some of the world’s most influential creative stages. ✨

🚀🇵🇹 Portugal’s growing reputation as a global start-up hub has been highlighted by the Financial Times, which featured Lisbon and Porto’s expanding innovation ecosystem, international talent attraction and scale-up success stories. The article highlights the impact of initiatives such as Unicorn Factory Lisboa, launched in 2022, which has already attracted 17 unicorn companies to Lisbon from countries including the US, Brazil, Denmark and Sweden. The ecosystem’s combination of talent, quality of life, innovation hubs and international outlook continues to strengthen Portugal’s position as a competitive destination for scaling businesses. 💡 The report also points to the emergence of specialised innovation clusters across the country, including biotech in Braga and the growing start-up community around Porto, reinforcing the depth and diversity of Portugal’s entrepreneurial landscape. 🌍 Portugal’s ability to attract founders, investors and highly skilled professionals reflects the country’s increasingly strong international positioning in technology, innovation and business development. Know more: ft.com/content/5263ed…

🫀🔬Portugal is strengthening its position in healthtech innovation with the AI4CMRex project, promoted by Health AI Register - Radiology and co-financed by COMPETE 2030. Building on the AI4CMR platform, this initiative advances the use of artificial intelligence in cardiac MRI analysis, enabling faster, more accurate and scalable cardiovascular diagnosis. 📊 AI4CMR is already a globally recognised cloud-based solution and a certified Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), reflecting strong technological maturity and international credibility. With AI4CMRex, the focus is on expanding automated segmentation and quantification of cardiac structures, including advanced imaging techniques such as T1 and T2 mapping. A clear example of how Portuguese innovation is driving the future of healthcare with global impact 🌍 Know more: lnkd.in/ebf-f6BX

🌱🇵🇹 Portugal’s agri-food sector continues to strengthen its global position, with exports reaching €10.5 billion in 2025. Driven by innovation, technology and sustainability, the sector currently exports to 193 international markets and is increasingly investing in digitalisation, biotechnology, AI and smart farming solutions. From agriculture and food production to data-driven technologies and resource optimisation, Portuguese companies are reinforcing the country’s competitiveness and international reach. 📖 Discover more in the latest issue of Portugalglobal: revista.portugalglobal.pt/AICEP/portugal…

✨ Portuguese design and craftsmanship continue to go global. @VistaAlegre_pt partners with @netflix to bring the world of Bridgerton — the globally acclaimed Regency-era drama known for its romance, elegance and iconic floral aesthetic — to the table through an exclusive porcelain collection. Inspired by the series’ signature style, the collection blends contemporary design with the timeless artistry of nearly 200 years of Portuguese craftsmanship, reinterpreting Bridgerton’s romantic universe through Vista Alegre’s hand-painted porcelain tradition. A refined fusion of elegance, heritage and innovation, reinforcing the global reach of Portuguese creativity and design.

Miguel Castro Freitas is the name behind one of the standout looks from the 2026 Met Gala in New York. ✨ American content creator Emma Chamberlain stepped onto the iconic red carpet wearing a hand-painted gown by French fashion house Mugler, created under the creative direction of the Portuguese designer. Born in Santarém and educated at Central Saint Martins, Miguel Castro Freitas has built an international career spanning more than two decades, with experience at renowned fashion houses such as Christian Dior Couture, GIVENCHY and Saint Laurent. Now leading the creative vision of Mugler, the Portuguese designer continues to showcase Portugal’s creative talent on one of the world’s biggest cultural and fashion stages. Know more: lnkd.in/e4Dk4ECZ #MetGala2026

📊💊 Portugal’s Health sector exports reach a new all-time high, reinforcing the country’s growing role in global healthcare value chains. In 2025, exports from Portugal’s Health sector totalled €5.65 billion, marking a strong +37.9% increase year-on-year and setting a new historic record 🇵🇹 Pharmaceutical preparations led the sector, accounting for 85.2% of total exports, followed by medical instruments (10.5%), base pharmaceutical products (3.8%) and equipment (0.5%). Germany emerged as the leading destination market, with the United States, Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Angola, Denmark and the United Kingdom completing the top 10. Despite a traditionally negative trade balance, the sector continues to scale internationally, with imports reaching €8.99 billion and an export coverage ratio of 62.8%. These results highlight the increasing competitiveness, innovation capacity and international demand for Portugal’s Health sector, positioning it as a key contributor to the country’s export performance and global presence.

A #AICEP marcou presença no Fórum Portugal Nação Global 🌍 Portugal afirma-se como destino competitivo para investimento e internacionalização: talento qualificado, energia renovável, estabilidade e posição geoestratégica única. No debate, foi reforçada, pela Presidente da AICEP, Madalena Oliveira e Silva, uma ideia central: “crescer em Portugal para internacionalizar o país”. Rede em +50 países, apoio às empresas e foco em cadeias de valor globais — é assim que se projeta Portugal. #PortugalNaçãoGlobal #Investimento #Internacionalização #Portugal

🇵🇹🤝🇺🇸🚀 AICEP worked closely with 22 Portuguese defence companies in a mission to Washington DC, supporting their engagement with the US market and ensuring the right institutional framework and connections on the ground. The programme included participation in the Sea, Air & Space exhibition and the Portugal–US Defense Industry Days, organised by AICEP in partnership with the Embassy of Portugal, @idDPortugal Defence and AED Cluster Portugal. Among the solutions showcased were drone technologies, AI-powered digital twins, aeronautical systems and maritime autonomy capabilities, reflecting the maturity and diversity of Portugal’s defence ecosystem. Held at the Ambassador’s Residence, the Portugal–US Defense Industry Days brought together Portuguese companies and US counterparts through working sessions, thematic panels and bilateral meetings, focused on generating concrete business and investment opportunities. The mission included the presence of AICEP Board Member Joana Gaspar. The mission delivered a very positive outcome, with companies returning to Portugal with new contacts and increased visibility in the US defence market.

🇵🇹👟 A new sports footwear manufacturing unit is set to begin operations in Barcelos this year, reinforcing Portugal’s position as a competitive hub for industrial investment. Led by France’s ASF 4.0, part of the CHAMATEX GROUP, the project represents a significant step for the national footwear cluster. The factory, currently under construction, is expected to start in July with two production lines, creating around 210 jobs and reaching an initial capacity of 500,000 pairs per year. 📈 With a planned expansion through to 2030, the unit aims to scale up to 1.5 million pairs annually and employ up to 580 people, strengthening both regional employment and industrial output. Backed by international investors and supported locally, this investment highlights Portugal’s ability to attract high-value manufacturing projects, combining skilled talent, industrial know-how and a strong ecosystem for growth.

🇵🇹🤝🇲🇦🌱 Portugal is the Guest Country at SIAM 2026, the largest agricultural fair in Morocco and across Africa, reinforcing its strategic role in strengthening Europe-Africa cooperation in sustainable agriculture and agri-food innovation. The opening days were marked by the presence of Portugal’s Minister of Agriculture and Sea, José Manuel Fernandes and AICEP Board Member Paulo Rios de Oliveira, highlighting the high-level institutional engagement and the importance of deepening bilateral relations with Morocco. Led by AICEP, Portugal is showcasing 23 companies and key business associations in a 400 m² pavilion at the heart of the International Pole, highlighting the country’s capabilities across the agri-food value chain. The programme included several high-level moments, namely bilateral meetings with Moroccan authorities, institutional events and the signing of cooperation agreements, reinforcing economic ties and opening new opportunities for collaboration between Portugal and Morocco. This presence reinforces Portugal’s position as a reference partner in agriculture and agroindustry, fostering stronger economic ties with Morocco and the African continent, while highlighting Portugal's export capacity, technological innovation, and sustainable practices. With agri-food exports exceeding €10.5B and a presence in more than 190 markets, Portugal continues to stand out as a reliable and competitive global partner. From Meknès, Portugal is strengthening partnerships, unlocking new opportunities and advancing sustainable solutions for the future of food production.

🌍🇵🇹♻️ Portugal continues to lead Europe in sustainability, recording the lowest carbon footprint in the European Union for the third consecutive year. According to Eurostat, Portugal reached 6.5 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per capita in 2023, well below the EU average of 9 tonnes, reflecting a consistent commitment to more sustainable consumption and production patterns. This indicator captures emissions across the entire value chain of goods and services consumed in the EU, including those embedded in imports, offering a comprehensive view of environmental impact. Alongside Portugal, countries such as Bulgaria, Sweden and Romania also reported low carbon footprints, while Cyprus, Ireland and Luxembourg recorded the highest levels. Portugal’s performance reinforces its position as a competitive, forward-looking economy aligned with global sustainability goals, creating opportunities for investment and innovation in greener value chains. 🌱 Know more: portugalglobal.pt/en/news/2026/a…

🛰️🇵🇹 Portugal has reached a new milestone in space, with the launch of six satellites developed and produced nationally, reinforcing the country’s position as an emerging space player. Launched from California aboard a SpaceX rocket, this operation marks a defining moment for Portugal’s space ambitions, combining innovation, industrial capacity and strategic vision. Four of these satellites will integrate the Lusíada Constellation, strengthening maritime navigation services with real-time data for vessels, from weather alerts to environmental monitoring. The remaining two, a Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite and an optical satellite, will reinforce the Atlantic Constellation, expanding dual-use capabilities across defence, security and civil applications. This new infrastructure will support areas such as disaster response, agriculture, environmental monitoring and maritime safety, while contributing to Europe’s technological autonomy and defence capacity. Entirely developed by Portuguese entities, including companies within the New Space Portugal agenda, the Portuguese Air Force and CEiiA, these satellites reflect the strength of a national ecosystem driven by innovation, engineering excellence and strategic investment. With more launches planned and the future development of a national space launcher in the Azores, Portugal is positioning itself at the forefront of the new space economy, transforming ambition into concrete capability. Know more: portugalglobal.pt/en/news/2026/a…

📈The latest forecasts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicate that Portugal will record economic growth above the Euro Area average, highlighting the Portuguese economy's resilience, competitiveness, and adaptability. This performance strengthens international confidence and further consolidates Portugal’s position as an attractive investment destination and a trusted partner in global trade. hashtag#AICEP will continue to promote Portugal’s international profile, contributing to sustainable growth and the ongoing internationalisation of the Portuguese economy. #Portugal #IMF #InvestInPortugal #EconomicGrowth #GlobalEconomy

🇵🇹🤝🇹🇷 Portugal and Türkiye have strengthened economic relations with the signing of cooperation agreements between AICEP and DEİK, within the framework of the 5th JETCO meeting held in Lisbon. The memorandum of understanding, signed between AICEP and DEIK, establishes a structured framework to promote investment, deepen trade relations and support companies from both countries in expanding into each other’s markets. The agreements were formalised during the Türkiye–Portugal Business Roundtables, which brought together government representatives, institutions, and companies to explore concrete opportunities for collaboration. The programme included multisectoral and construction-focused discussions, with a strong emphasis on technology, renewable energy, mobility and infrastructure, alongside dedicated networking moments to foster new business partnerships. At the opening session, the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of Portugal, Paulo Rangel, highlighted the growing importance of this bilateral forum, describing it as “indispensable for economic and diplomatic dialogue” and calling for renewed ambition in the relationship. The Minister of Trade of Türkiye, Ömer Bolat, reinforced the strategic positioning of both countries, noting that they are “ready to make [their] best contribution to Portuguese projects, in partnership with Portuguese companies”. Madalena Oliveira e Silva emphasised the role of AICEP-Portugal Trade & Invest in supporting businesses and unlocking opportunities: “We believe there is significant potential for Portugal and Turkey to develop their trade relations.” The event also brought together the Secretary of State for the Economy, João Rui Ferreira, and the Secretary of State for Infrastructure, Hugo Espirito Santo, reinforcing the focus on strategic sectors and investment opportunities. Through initiatives like this, AICEP continues to connect companies, promote internationalisation and position Portugal as a strategic gateway for global business.

🚲📈 Portugal's two-wheel industry exports reached a new all-time high of €777.1 million in 2025, reinforcing the country's position as the EU’s #1 bicycle producer. After a period of adjustment, the sector returned to growth, with a 4.26% year-on-year increase, highlighting its resilience in a challenging global context. Monthly performance also showed strong momentum, with peaks in July (€87.5M), May (€82.2M) and September (€78.0M). Driven by sustained investment in innovation, skills and internationalisation, Portuguese companies continue to strengthen their global presence.🌐 Know more: portugalglobal.pt/en/news/2026/a…

🌍 Portugal recorded €8.5 billion in foreign direct investment inflows in 2025, with outward investment reaching €6.7 billion, according to data from Banco de Portugal. European countries led inbound investment, with Luxembourg, the United Kingdom and Germany among the top sources. Portuguese investment abroad also remained strongly focused on Europe, particularly the Netherlands, Spain and France. By the end of 2025, the total stock of foreign direct investment in Portugal reached €213.7 billion, equivalent to 70% of GDP, underlining the country’s sustained attractiveness to global investors. Greater Lisbon continues to concentrate the largest share of investment, followed by the Norte and Algarve regions. Portugal remains a strategic gateway for international investment and a growing platform for global expansion. 📊📍 Know more: bpstat.bportugal.pt/conteudos/noti…

🌍 A AICEP esteve em destaque no programa Sociedade Civil, da RTP2, num episódio dedicado ao trabalho da Agência. Mais de €3 mil milhões em investimento, com impacto direto na criação de emprego e na internacionalização de empresas, refletem o trabalho desenvolvido pela AICEP na atração de projetos estruturantes para o país, em 2025. O programa contou com a participação da Presidente da AICEP, Madalena Oliveira e Silva, e de Delegados da AICEP em mercados estratégicos como Alemanha (Rui Boavista Marques), Espanha (Luís Reis), Brasil (Francisco Costa), EUA (Nova Iorque) (Carlos Moura) e Índia (Miguel CM Crespo, CFA), dando a conhecer a atuação da rede global da Agência. Uma presença que reflete o papel da Rede Externa da AICEP, presente em mais de 50 mercados, na ligação entre empresas, mercados e oportunidades. 📺 Veja o episódio completo aqui 👇rtp.pt/play/p16075/e9…