News

Your Company's Future Begins with Global Expansion

August 18, 2025 - LISBON — The World Trade Center Lisbon, in partnership with the agency Media em Movimento, has announced the launch of the Professional Training Program "Global Business Expansion & Internationalization," an intensive (100% in-person) course designed to empower companies and professionals to strategically expand their businesses into global markets. The training, starting in October 2025, focuses on strategic market entry models, such as alliances and partnerships, and risk mitigation. The goal is for each participant to leave with an internationalization plan ready to be implemented, which will be presented in a pitch format during the final session. The training is led by Mafalda Ferreira Marques, an international communication specialist and founder of the agency Media em Movimento, who brings her expertise in marketing and internationalization to the program. The initiative stands out for offering a DGERT certification, with a certificate delivered at the end of the course. The WTC Lisboa International Academy emphasizes that places are limited to ensure the quality of the program, which is applicable to real-world cases, both at a national and international level. Find out More and Enroll! Are you ready to take this step? For more information about the training and to secure your spot, please send an email to ana@wtc-club.com Read More

WTC Lisbon event spotlights Madrid’s opportunities

September 23, 2024 - We recently had the pleasure of organizing a high-impact event in collaboration with the Madrid Chamber of Commerce, Invest in Madrid, and the Madrid City Council. The goal was to present the business opportunities in Madrid to Portuguese and multinational executives and entrepreneurs from the World Trade Center Lisbon, the best business hub in Portugal. We also welcomed prominent companies such as Casafari, BBVA, Pérez-Llorca, and El Corte Inglés, which shared their success stories and experiences in fostering connections between Spain and Portugal. Spain is currently the 15th largest economy in the world and the 4th largest in Europe, with a population of 48 million and a GDP per capita of $33,000. The country recorded a 2.5% growth in 2023, with a forecast of 2.4% for 2024, as discussed during the event. Moreover, Spain is Portugal’s main trading partner, accounting for 25% of Portuguese exports and 32% of imports. Between 300 and 400 Portuguese companies operate in Spain, while more than 2,000 Spanish companies are present in Portugal, reflecting the strong economic ties between the two countries. According to data from Invest in Madrid, based on the Ministry’s Investment Registry, since 1993, Portugal has invested €12.06 billion in productive investments in Spain, making it the 11th largest investor in the country. Specifically, the Madrid region has received €4.25 billion of this total, accounting for 35.2% of all Portuguese investment in Spain. The event was a tremendous success, with over 60 attendees on September 16th and numerous highly qualified leads generated for the organizing institutions and participating companies. More than 100 companies expressed interest in establishing contact with these institutions and learning more about Madrid's opportunities. The environment fostered valuable networking and business discussions, paving the way for future partnerships and collaborations. Investment promotion agencies from EU Countries, UK, Switzerland, Brazil, India, China, USA, Angola, South Africa, Morocco and others, can leverage this event format to gain direct access to the Portuguese and multinational business network via the World Trade Center Lisboa Business Club. This provides a unique opportunity to position your region as a strategic destination for investment, connecting with key companies and fostering long-term partnerships. Contact us now at pedro@wtclisboa.com . Read More

Meet Portugal: the next target for your business

August 31, 2024 - Expanding a business to Portugal presents a unique opportunity for growth and innovation, supported by a favorable fiscal environment, a dynamic innovation ecosystem, and government incentives aimed at research and development (R&D). With its strategic location bridging Europe, Africa, and the Americas, Portugal is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for both established businesses and startups looking to expand their footprint in the global market. Portugal is home to a vibrant innovation ecosystem that fosters collaboration between businesses, universities, and research institutions. Cities like Lisbon and Porto are becoming hubs for tech startups and innovation-driven enterprises, supported by a strong network of incubators, accelerators, and venture capital firms. This ecosystem is further enhanced by Portugal’s highly educated workforce, with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. The presence of leading universities and research centers provides businesses with access to cutting-edge knowledge and a talent pool that can drive innovation and growth. Furthermore, around 60% of the population speaks a second language, which becomes an advantage for multinational companies to establish themselves in the country. In addition to the thriving innovation ecosystem, the Portuguese government offers substantial R&D grants and incentives to encourage businesses from different sectors to invest in research and development activities. These incentives include tax credits for R&D expenditures, grants for collaborative projects (Portugal 2030 & PRR), and support for innovation clusters. By expanding to Portugal, businesses can leverage these financial incentives to reduce their R&D costs and accelerate the development of new products and services. The government’s commitment to supporting innovation is a key factor that can help businesses maintain a competitive edge in the global market. Portugal’s reputation as a global tech hub is further solidified by its hosting of the Web Summit, one of the world’s largest technology conferences. The event attracts +70k entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders from around the globe, providing unparalleled networking opportunities and exposure to the latest trends in technology and innovation. This year, the conference will happen on November 11-14th, aiming to answer what the future holds at a moment of great uncertainty for many industries. Since developing a business in Portugal offers a distinct chance for advancement and creativity, sustained the vibrant innovation network, and government encouragement, in November WTC Lisbon will gather global entrepreneurs and executives, so they can visit the Portuguese business ecosystem, and take part in Web Summit, a testament to Portugal’s growing influence in the global tech landscape. We invite the WTCA network to join us in this business trade mission, with a customized agenda for each group. Reach out and know more: luciano@wtclisboa.com. Read More

WTC Talks Triumph and Exciting September Events

August 28, 2024 - The WTC Talks event on August 27th was a resounding success, demonstrating that even in the traditionally quiet month of August, the World Trade Center Lisboa can bring people together for insightful discussions and valuable networking opportunities. Over six hours, more than 20 speakers shared their expertise across six thematic panels, creating an atmosphere of learning and collaboration. To top it off, our dear friend Agnes Gomes from WTC Paris joined us, adding an international touch to the event. The idea for WTC Talks originated from a bold challenge: to host an event in August, despite the common belief that it’s a slow month for business events in Lisbon. We recognized that our monthly committees should get a break, and many people might be unavailable. Still, we wanted to prove that with the right mix of inspiration and engagement, we could deliver a memorable event, even amidst the heat of the Portuguese summer. Our vision was to create a self-sustaining event, not overly reliant on a large audience, given the uncertainty around interest and availability. The result was a dynamic gathering that featured inspiring interviews and a larger crowd than expected, reinforcing the idea that impactful conversations can happen any time of the year. WTC Talks brought together experts, thought leaders, and influential professionals, sharing insights on relevant and innovative topics. It was a remarkable opportunity for attendees to expand their knowledge, connect with peers, and explore new ideas. As always, our focus was on fostering an informal and interactive atmosphere, encouraging participants to share their stories, experiences, and challenges from the heart. This approach has consistently set our events apart, making each gathering unique and valuable. With the success of WTC Talks, we are looking forward to a vibrant September, filled with exciting events at WTC Lisbon: Tailored Partner Event: We will host a bespoke event for one of our partners, inviting market-recognized professionals to engage with a highly qualified audience. This setup provides an excellent opportunity for market development and brand alliance, leveraging the strength and recognition of the WTC brand. CEO Committee: We will convene a committee exclusively for CEOs from various sectors of the Portuguese economy, providing a platform for them to share their perspectives, experiences, data, and future challenges. Spain Day: In collaboration with Invest Madrid and the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services of Madrid, we will explore how Portuguese companies can access the Spanish market. Executives from companies like El Corte Inglés, Pérez-Llorca, and Casafari will share their insights, making this an invaluable event for Portuguese businesses and multinationals interested in expanding to Spain. Thematic Committees: Our seven thematic committees will continue to host intimate meetings with 20 to 30 local businesspeople and executives, showcasing two interesting case studies each time. In September, we will welcome executives from companies such as Cuatrecasas, Karpatkey, Worten, Cerveja Musa, HCI Construções, Grupo Legendre, NOVA Information Management School, Cyient, Fundação Inatel, Hisense Iberia, Cushman & Wakefield, INCM Imprensa Nacional - Casa da Moeda, Triangle'S - Cycling Equipments, and B-Parts. Head to Head Event: This event will feature a unique format where two C-Level executives will interview each other, followed by extensive networking. We are excited to host executives from KLC and Bettery, S.A. for this engaging session. If you want the companies in your ecosystem to take advantage of this world of opportunities created daily at the WTC Lisbon business club, contact us now at pedro@wtclisboa.com. Read More

WTC Lisbon Promotes Paraíba Cachaça in Portugal

February 29, 2024 - On February 27, 2024, the World Trade Center Lisbon organized an event that brought together nine cachaça de alambique (artisanal cachaça) producers from the state of Paraíba, Brazil, with some of the most relevant Portuguese import, distribution, and retail companies. The event, held in partnership with the CNC (National Confederation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism), Fecomércio Paraíba (Federation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism of the State of Paraíba), Sebrae Paraíba (Brazilian Service of Support for Micro and Small Businesses of Paraíba), and the Government of the State of Paraíba, aimed to develop the market for cachaça in Portugal. Cachaça de alambique is a type of cachaça made using traditional methods. It is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. In Brazil, cachaça is often consumed with feijoada (a traditional black bean stew) or in caipirinha (a cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar). However, the WTC Lisbon event aimed to showcase the complexity and sophistication of cachaça, positioning it as a premium beverage that can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. The event featured a series of business meetings between the cachaça producers and Portuguese companies. The WTC Lisbon strategically selected a mix of importers, distributors, and retailers who have a proven track record of developing new markets. This was evident in one instance during the event, when a buyer from a major retail chain tasted one of the cachaças and immediately turned to the representative of an import and distribution company and said, "If you bring this in, I'll buy it." This spontaneous endorsement from a potential customer underscores the effectiveness of the WTC Lisbon's approach. The event was a success, with both the cachaça producers and Portuguese companies expressing their satisfaction with the results. The WTC Lisbon is committed to promoting international trade and investment, and this event is a prime example of its efforts to connect businesses from different countries and create new opportunities. WTCs around the world are invited to contact the WTC Lisbon to learn more about organizing trade missions that include business meetings and networking events with Portuguese companies. For more information, please contact us today at luciano@wtclisboa.com or pedro@wtclisboa.com . Read More

MERCOPAR 2023: Fostering Business Connections

August 30, 2023 - Mercopar 2023, an event organized by SEBRAE, is set to unfold once again, promising a dynamic platform for business growth, innovation, and collaboration. As we anticipate the 32nd edition of Mercopar, held from October 17th to 20th at the Centro de Feiras e Eventos Festa da Uva in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, it's clear that this event continues to be a driving force in fostering impactful connections within the industrial sector. The traditional in-person Buyer Project events, renowned for their success in previous years, will be at the heart of Mercopar 2023. These engaging sessions, held at the Salão de Negócios, will offer four distinctive agendas: the International Buyer Project, the Metal-Mechanic segment, the General Industry focus, and the innovative Reverse Round. A standout highlight of Mercopar, the International Buyer Project, serves as a conduit linking 30 companies from Latin America and Europe to a select group of 100 Brazilian suppliers. This platform encapsulates the essence of globalization, as businesses spanning continents come together to explore mutual growth prospects and forge lasting partnerships. In the Metal-Mechanic segment, a robust network of 80 buying companies will converge with 370 suppliers, sparking a synergy that drives innovation forward. As industry players showcase cutting-edge products and technologies, this segment embodies the collaborative spirit that defines Mercopar. The General Industry round will witness 80 prominent enterprises in search of solutions, converging with 350 potential suppliers. This convergence promises a breeding ground for ideas, enabling businesses to refine their strategies and operations, and setting the stage for long-term success. A novel concept within Mercopar, the Reverse Round brings together seven anchor companies with a distinct objective: to evaluate on-site demonstrations of solutions presented by potential suppliers. This hands-on approach fosters direct engagement and instigates groundbreaking conversations, catalyzing the emergence of new possibilities and cutting-edge technologies. As Mercopar 2023 prepares to roll out its engaging agendas, the underlying theme remains clear: to empower businesses, regardless of size, with opportunities for growth, learning, and exploration. The event's focus on various sectors, including metal-mechanics, technology, energy, and more, underscores its commitment to driving industrial progress across multiple dimensions. To seize this extraordinary opportunity, kindly get in touch with WTC Lisboa via luciano@wtclisboa.com or pedro@wtclisboa.com. Don’t miss the chance to broaden your business horizons and forge partnerships with one of Brazil's most impactful entities. Read More

Seize New Business Opportunities at Mercopar

July 14, 2023 - WTC Lisboa is thrilled to introduce Mercopar, an outstanding business opportunity that has recently come to our attention. Sebrae, a prominent organization and member of the WTC Lisboa Business Club, is actively seeking buyers from various sectors to participate in this remarkable event in Brazil, from the 17 th to 20 th of October. Mercopar is a renowned trade fair held annually in Caxias do Sul, Brazil. It serves as a platform for businesses to showcase their products and services, fostering connections and facilitating trade between local and international partners. This year, Sebrae is specifically focusing on attracting buyers from the civil construction sector, machinery and equipment, electro electronics products, energy, rubber products, plastic products, and handling and loading industries. Allow us to shed some light on Sebrae's significant role in organizing Mercopar alongside FIERGS-RS. Sebrae, or the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service, is a leading institution dedicated to supporting and promoting the development of micro and small enterprises. As an esteemed member of the WTC Lisboa Business Club, Sebrae consistently strives to facilitate fruitful business collaborations within Brazil and beyond. In collaboration with FIERGS-RS, Sebrae has successfully established Mercopar as one of the most influential trade fairs in Brazil. FIERGS-RS, or the Federation of Industries of Rio Grande do Sul State, is the institution representing the industrial sector in Rio Grande do Sul. With its extensive network and expertise, FIERGS-RS plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and fostering innovation within the region. We invite all WTCs and their business members to seize this excellent opportunity and explore the potential for lucrative partnerships with Brazil. By participating in Mercopar, you will have the chance to engage with industry leaders and establish valuable connections within the Brazilian market. To express your interest in this remarkable opportunity, please reach out to WTC Lisboa at luciano@wtclisboa.com or pedro@wtclisboa.com . We will be delighted to provide you with further details and guide you through the process of participating in Mercopar. Don't miss out on this chance to expand your business horizons and collaborate with one of Brazil's most influential organizations. We look forward to seeing you at Mercopar and witnessing the growth and success that arise from these valuable connections. Read More

5 million Brazilian companies landed in Lisbon

May 18, 2023 - On April 24, 2023, WTC Lisboa announced a partnership with the Brazilian National Confederation of the Commerce of Goods, Services, and Tourism (CNC) at the inauguration of that Brazilian entity's international representation in Portugal, as a member of WTC Lisboa Business Club. CNC is formed by 34 federations that together represent around 5 million companies - 75% of the Brazilian GDP -, which generates 25.5 million direct and formal jobs in the country. WTC Lisboa Vice President José Magro welcomed CNC and reinforced "This is the time for businessmen to act to achieve the potential of economic relations between the two countries. Which will surely be accelerated with the agreement between the European Union and Mercosur". Their presence in WTC Lisboa is the gateway that CNC opens to entrepreneurs bringing Brazilian goods, services, and tourism to Europe and the world. “The choice of the WTC network was strategic and will enable the integration of the Confederation, their members and partners, and businessmen to one of the world's largest business and investment platforms”, pointed out CNC president José Roberto Tadros. This partnership objective is to strengthen and expand alliances with European countries. In consequence, business missions will be carried out periodically to that continent. Furthermore, as a member of the WTC Lisboa Business Club, CNC will be able to take advantage of the resources made available by the network in 323 buildings in 92 countries. “This greatly expands the possibilities for us to move forward in the construction of new businesses and commercial agreements”, concluded the president of the Confederation. Read More

WTC Lisboa welcomes CNC as Partner

March 30, 2023 - The World Trade Center Lisboa has been gaining attention from big entities in Brazil with its innovative ecosystem that facilitates business opportunities and partnerships, specially between Portuguese and Brazilian companies. As a testament to its success, the National Confederation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism of Brazil (CNC) - Confederação Nacional do Comércio de Bens e Serviços - has recently joined as a WTC Lisboa Business Club Member. This is exciting news for the WTC Lisboa, as the CNC is a major Brazilian business federation that represents over 5 million companies in the commerce, service and tourism sectors. By joining forces with WTC Lisboa, the CNC is hoping to expand its reach and create more opportunities for its members to do business in Portugal and beyond. To celebrate the CNC's arrival, the WTC Lisboa Business Club will be hosting a special event on April 24th. All WTC Directors are welcome to participate in this day of celebration, which will showcase the best of Brazilian culture, with typical food and music. The event will provide a unique opportunity for WTC Lisboa members to network with CNC members and explore potential business partnerships. It will also be a chance to learn more about Brazilian culture, history, and business practices, as well as to experience the warmth and hospitality of Brazilian people. The WTC Lisboa Business Club has been developing its ecosystem for several years, with the aim of becoming a hub for international business in Portugal. By bringing together Portuguese and foreign companies, the club provides a range of services to help businesses grow, including networking opportunities, training programs, and access to funding and other resources. The addition of the CNC as a partner is a major milestone for the WTC Lisboa Business Club and a testament to its growing reputation as a center of excellence for international business. The club is looking forward to welcoming the CNC and its members, and to building strong and lasting partnerships between Portugal and Brazil. Read More

WTC Lisboa and Sebrae’s BTL 2023 mission

March 14, 2023 - On February 2023, WTC Lisboa hosted the first day of Sebrae’s International Mission of Tourism. Sebrae (Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service) has been encouraging the internationalization of a pool of 21 million small businesses from Brazil and, due to this, promoting missions to instigate the exchange of experiences, networking, and new possibilities of negotiation. In this regard, through Sebrae, WTC Lisboa received 30 entrepreneurs from the tourism sector, that were eager to meet and trade with local Portuguese companies and other global markets. Therefore, this initiative built an atmosphere that facilitates the first steps for the internationalization of several small companies that are being developed with competitive and sustainable values. Missions such as the one Sebrae is promoting, are responsible for improving the cooperation between Brazilian companies and international markets in a modern and innovative way. Participation in technical visits and fairs is a precious opportunity. For instance, all of the 30 entrepreneurs are visiting the BTL (Bolsa Turismo Lisboa) Travel Market, one of the most important tourism fairs in the world. Having an organization such as Sebrae as a partner is the initial step for an extensive understanding of essential aspects of the Brazilian market and economy. Therefore, WTC Lisboa welcomes other WTC to get in touch with us at luciano@wtclisboa.com if you can think of companies that might be interested in trading with Brazil, with the assistance of a well-known and prepared organization like Sebrae. Read More

WTC Lisboa brings Sebrae to your town!

February 10, 2023 - Attention, attention, attention! WTC Lisboa and Sebrae - the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service. The 8th stro ngest brand in Brazil, with over 2.649 service centres and more than 20 Million visits in 2022 from small businesses around Brazil looking for training, access to credit, or partnerships - are calling on all WTC members to step forward if you know examples of public management in your area that have: · Implemented benchmark public actions thatpromoted improvements in life quality of local business’ ecosystem, generating income, work, and local development. · Executed international innovation actions linked to requalified territories, based on established partnership networks, through public management. · Applied public policy actions and development that became reference in urban intervention, fostering entrepreneurship, and implementing integrated and innovative public policies. Sebrae is planning this year's international missions calendar and it will be organizing, together with public entities, missions to explore and study successful cases. These missions aim to instigate the exchange of good governance practices, principles, and ideas. Remember, Sebrae is an engine for micro and small businesses in Brazil. Having such an organization coming to town could represent the beginning of a relationship that could bring in many businesses in the future! If your city has successfully implemented actions in one of those areas and you are interested in receiving a mission from Brazil, drop us a line at luciano@wtclisboa.com. Let us know why Sebrae should choose to visit your beautiful region! But be quick about it, Sebrae can only visit a limited number of cities each year! Read More

WTC Lisboa promotes trade with Brazilian entities

January 10, 2023 - BTL (Bolsa de Turismo de Lisboa), one of the most important tourism fairs in the world, will be happening from March 1st to 5th 2023 in Lisbon - Portugal. WTC Lisboa, through their recently announced partnership with Sebrae (Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service), will be receiving government officials linked to the Tourism industry and Micro and Small entrepreneurs determined to expand their business to Europe. Missions involving visits to fairs and industry events as well as Trade Focused missions will be happening constantly throughout 2023 thanks to both WTC Lisboa and Sebrae's efforts. The companies coming to Lisbon will have been through Sebrae's intense training programs for business preparation, expansion, and internationalization. They will be prepared and eager to meet and do business with local Portuguese companies and other European markets, as well as Africa and Asia. WTC Lisboa would like to hear from other WTCs interested in dealing with Brazilian entities. Sebrae has been around for over 50 years and it has developed a deep understanding of the Brazilian economy, culture, and society. In 2022, Sebrae received around 15 Million visits from small businesses around Brazil looking for training, access to credit, or partnerships. They are now raising the flag of internationalization, offering their support and expertise. If you know companies that would like to access the Brazilian market or trade with Brazilian entities, please contact WTC Lisboa today. Read More