Pentágono Urbano leaders address textile and footwear industry crisis

Municipal leaders from the Pentágono Urbano association met in Barcelos during the Economic Forum 2035 to address a crisis in the textile, clothing, and footwear sectors. The region, which includes Barcelos, Braga, Guimarães, Vila Nova de Famalicão, and Viana do Castelo, accounts for nearly 50% of Portugal's production in these industries.

Mário Constantino Lopes, president of the Pentágono Urbano and Mayor of Barcelos, highlighted several critical challenges facing local businesses, including high energy costs, reduced consumer demand, and unfair competition from international markets with lower operational costs. The meeting included Silvério Regalado, Secretary of State for Local Administration, and various business representatives to identify solutions and strengthen regional competitiveness.

Discussions focused on the need for increased investment in innovation, technological modernization, human resource qualification, and the development of higher value-added products to navigate the digital and environmental transitions.