Sometimes, all it takes is looking at the right numbers to understand that Portugal is going through a silent, profound transformation. And the more closely I follow our business landscape, the more convinced I am that the country is finally gaining the confidence, scale, and ambition to play in the big leagues.
The recent edition of the Export and Internationalization Awards is more than a ceremony. It’s a snapshot of the creative energy redefining our future. Each startup celebrated there represents the best of what Portugal can offer: the ability to turn challenges into opportunities and deliver value to the world. This isn’t only about exporting — it’s about vision, courage, and talent.
The numbers confirm that this is not an isolated movement. Portuguese exports grew 14.3% in September, continuing a solid trend throughout the year. Exports are becoming a central pillar of our economy and one of the main forces shaping our global positioning.
What excites me most is the role of startups in this shift. Portugal now has over five thousand startups, responsible for 28,000 jobs and almost €3 billion in revenue - and around 70% of them didn’t exist five years ago. They were born global, born digital, born exporters. This new generation is not afraid to think beyond borders and challenge traditional limits.
Behind these companies, we see something deeper: a generational transformation. Many young Portuguese professionals gained experience in multinational environments and returned with global ambition, higher expectations, and a drive to modernize our business culture from within. This is one of the most important forces reshaping the economy today.
To strengthen this momentum, the government is preparing €10 billion under the Reinforce Program, with financing and support dedicated to exporting companies. Yet money alone is not enough. What Portugal needs is strategic vision — and market diversification must be at the center. That’s why the agreement with Mercosur, which could eliminate tariffs on 90% of goods and open access to more than 300 million consumers, is a historic opportunity. Brazil alone, with its 200 million inhabitants, represents only 5% of our exports. The potential is massive.
Portugal is changing. It’s not a slogan - it’s a fact. We are building an economy that is more open, more skilled, and more ambitious. And if we stay on this path, powered by the talent of our startups and the new generation of leaders, I truly believe Portugal will reach a level of economic relevance that once seemed unattainable.
The momentum is here. The future is calling - and this time, we are ready to answer.
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