Northern Portugal strengthens partnership with Hauts-de-France to boost investment, innovation and competitiveness

The agreement, signed at Palácio da Bolsa in Porto, brings together CCDR NORTE, the Hauts-de-France Region, Porto Chamber of Commerce (ACP), Portuguese Business Association (AEP) and the Franco-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFP). It represents a joint commitment between public institutions and business organisations to promote investment, business internationalisation, innovation and the development of projects of common interest.

The partnership establishes a framework for long-term cooperation in strategic areas including industry, energy, logistics, sustainable mobility, research, skills development, digital transition and participation in European programmes, connecting companies, universities, technology centres and public bodies from both regions.

The agreement also aims to foster cooperation between business clusters and promote joint initiatives in areas such as Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, green hydrogen, renewable energy, industrial decarbonisation, European logistics corridors, and the mobility of students, researchers and highly skilled professionals.

During the signing ceremony, the President of CCDR NORTE, Álvaro Santos, highlighted that the memorandum marks a new phase in the relationship between Northern Portugal and Hauts-de-France, based on a shared vision for economic development, innovation and competitiveness. He emphasised the importance of bringing together public institutions and business organisations to create new investment opportunities, strengthen connections between companies and knowledge institutions, and develop projects with concrete impact.

For Xavier Bertrand, President of the Hauts-de-France Region, underlined the strategic importance of regional alliances in strengthening European competitiveness and addressing the challenges of the energy, digital and industrial transitions. The partnership reflects a shared ambition to build a stronger, more competitive and more resilient Europe through concrete cooperation between industrial regions.

With around six million inhabitants, Hauts-de-France is France’s second-largest industrial region and one of Europe’s leading logistics platforms, with recognised strengths in sectors including automotive, rail, aerospace, agri-food, health, biotechnology, hydrogen and logistics. The region has also developed an ambitious strategy focused on reindustrialisation and the energy transition, making it a strategic partner for Northern Portugal.

The partnership builds on a strong economic relationship between Northern Portugal and France. In 2024, exports from the Northern Region to the French market exceeded €4.15 billion, representing approximately 15.5% of regional exports. France is also one of the main tourism markets for Northern Portugal, with almost one million overnight stays recorded in 2024.

By bringing together public authorities, companies, universities and technology centres, the Memorandum of Understanding provides the foundation for a long-term partnership focused on transforming this commitment into concrete projects, new investment opportunities, skilled employment, innovation initiatives and stronger international competitiveness for both regions.