Portugal focuses on circular economy and global competitiveness

Portugal is navigating economic shifts driven by the need for sustainability and global competitiveness. The transition toward a circular economy is identified as a critical strategy to address climate crises, resource scarcity, and energy volatility. By moving away from the linear model of extraction and disposal toward reuse, repair, and regenerative design, the country aims to reduce its dependence on imported raw materials.

Regulatory frameworks such as the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan are accelerating this transition across sectors like textiles, electronics, and construction. Simultaneously, the AICEP 2026 Forum in Porto highlighted the challenges of internationalization in a fragmented geopolitical landscape. Discussions focused on how Portuguese companies can scale through innovation in software, semiconductors, and food industries to maintain growth in increasingly unpredictable global markets.