Portugal is well positioned, but it is necessary to ‘strengthen its international presence’
Portuguese companies are in force at Munich Fabric Start. The Secretary of State and the Economy highlights that "Portugal knows how to do it, has the design, price and proximity to markets."
The Assistant Secretary of State and the Economy, João Neves, who is accompanying the Portuguese delegation at Munich Fabric Start, considers that this type of event is of “great importance for the development of exports” and is a clear sign that the sector is taking off. João Neves also highlights that Portugal is well positioned, but that it is necessary to “reinforce its international presence”.
From clothing to fabrics, 31 Portuguese companies are present at Munich Fabric Start. For the Assistant Secretary of State and the Economy, this number “demonstrates the enormous capacity of the Portuguese industrial fabric (…) In a very difficult moment the companies are present to show that the cluster is alive and that we have products that correspond to what the market needs”, João Neves told the journalists present at the event.
For the Assistant Secretary of State and the Economy, “Portugal knows how to do it, has the design, price and proximity to markets”, but depends on sustaining demand, bearing in mind the pandemic that led consumers to take refuge at home. However, João Neves stresses that “people are taking back their consumer habits.”
The president of Anivec and Calvelex, considers that the balance of the Munich Fabric Start “is quite positive” and that Portuguese companies want to show that “they are at the forefront of industrial production”. César Araújo says “Europe is the world leader in fashion and Portugal wants to have a word in that leadership.”
Given the importance of exports for the Portuguese business fabric, the Assistant Secretary of State and the Economy, João Neves, stresses that the government will increase the funds in the next multiannual financial framework (2030) for external promotion of the industry. “We want to continue our gains in international markets, particularly in Europe,” João Neves said, without revealing further information.
“We have a very expressive indicator that is the weight of exports in GDP, we had a very strong trajectory and we want to continue to strengthen this path,” highlights the Assistant Secretary of State and the Economy.
