However, despite the strong cultural and historical ties between the two countries, investment levels still fall short of what many believe could be achieved. According to recent insights from Paulo Rios, a representative from Portugal’s Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade (AICEP), the growth of Brazilian investments in Portugal has been significant, but there is much more potential to be explored.

Between 2015 and 2021, Brazilian investments in Portugal reached approximately 176 million euros, accounting for about 4% of Portugal’s total foreign investments. In recent years, however, this number has grown by an average of 12% annually. This upward trend has led to Brazil becoming the second-largest investor nation outside of Europe, just behind the United States. In fact, data from early 2024 indicates that Brazilian investments have increased by 10% from the previous year, reaching a total of 5.3 billion euros. While this shows clear growth, the full potential of Brazilian investment in Portugal remains untapped.

One of the key areas where Brazil and Portugal are expected to collaborate more is in the startup ecosystem. Brazil is home to a strong and dynamic startup culture, and Portugal offers a fertile environment for innovation. The Portuguese market, although smaller in size, has shown great promise in this regard. Brazilian investors are drawn to Portugal’s innovative spirit, as it presents a perfect opportunity for companies to test new products, services, and business models before expanding further into Europe, a market of 500 million consumers.

Real estate and the hotel sector are also seeing significant investments from Brazil. The tourism industry, in particular, has seen tremendous growth in Portugal, which has earned recognition and accolades for its tourism offerings. Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Porto are well-known for their high-quality tourism infrastructure and attract millions of visitors every year. However, the potential in the Brazilian market, which has vast resources but remains underutilized in the tourism sector, presents an exciting opportunity for future collaborations between both countries.

Large-scale investments from Brazil, such as Embraer’s involvement in the aviation sector, further demonstrate the willingness of Brazilian companies to deepen ties with Portugal. Embraer holds a significant stake in OGMA, a Portuguese aviation company, which is a prime example of how businesses from both nations are creating mutually beneficial partnerships. This kind of investment not only helps Brazilian companies strengthen their position in Europe but also provides valuable expertise and growth for the Portuguese market.

Despite these advances, there remains a strong desire from the AICEP to increase the flow of Brazilian investments into Portugal. The primary challenge lies in enhancing mutual understanding and fostering closer relationships between businesses in both countries. While the shared language between Brazil and Portugal is a valuable asset, it is not enough on its own. A greater focus on educating Brazilian investors about the opportunities in Portugal and providing them with local support will be key to unlocking further growth.

To facilitate this process, the AICEP plays an essential role in guiding Brazilian investors through the entire investment journey, from the initial stages of exploration to finalizing deals. For Brazilian businesses, particularly those with an interest in expanding into Europe, Portugal presents a highly attractive opportunity, especially given the favorable regulatory environment and the ability to access the European market from Portugal’s doorstep.

In conclusion, there is an immense opportunity for Brazilian investors to explore the growing potential of the Portuguese market. With sectors such as real estate, hospitality, startups, and technology offering abundant possibilities, now is the time for Brazilian companies to consider Portugal as a key partner in their European expansion strategies. The collaboration between both nations, leveraging their shared cultural and economic ties, can pave the way for even greater success and further strengthen their economic relationship in the years to come.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes