Han Ximin

1824295095@qq.com

THE improved business environment and incentives for foreign investments are driving more international companies to search for business opportunities in Guangdong Province, Dário Silva, board chairman of PorCham Greater China, told Shenzhen Daily during an interview before the Guangdong Provincial High-quality Development Conference was held in Shenzhen on Sunday.

“In Hengqin FTA, the 6+1 Technology Trade Platform received incentives such as a 60% rebate on office rent and other tax rebates,” said Dário.

PorCham engages in promoting business between China and Portugal, and other Portuguese-speaking countries under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Last year, the company participated in the construction of the China Portugal International Trade and Investment Cooperation Center and remains involved in its day-to-day operation.

“The reason we operate the center in Guangdong is obvious — because our businesses will benefit from Guangdong’s dynamic economy and its influence across the country, as well as Macao’s strong Portuguese background,” Dário said.

According to Dário, the center engages in matchmaking for local and foreign corporations and provides research and strategy for investments in China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

“The Greater Bay Area [GBA] is a focal point for high-tech development, know-how transfer, and quality economic growth. We are trying to bring tech companies to Guangdong, to enter Chinese markets, and increase presence in the global market.”

Dário noted the GBA’s innovation appeal, government support, and dynamic exchanges are among the factors luring foreign investors to the region. He also stated that high-tech companies from Portuguese-speaking countries are very interested in the development of the GBA.

After the Spring Festival holiday, Dário said the chamber will be busy planning activities for 2024, with a focus on new energy vehicles, because Portuguese importers and distributors are willing to collaborate with Chinese manufacturers.

Portugal has large lithium reserves and the Portugese automotive cluster is the second-largest cluster in Portugal. The cluster currently accounts for 0.56% of world exports.

“It is a good place for Chinese manufacturers to invest in production locally in Portugal for the European and Portuguese-speaking countries’ markets,” Dário said.