Porto’s economic future built on competitiveness, Investment and Innovation
Competitiveness, innovation and investment were at the centre of the latest edition of the AEP Foundation’s Conversations with the Mayor series, where Porto’s Mayor, Pedro Duarte, outlined his vision for strengthening the city’s position as one of Portugal’s leading economic and industrial hubs.
Held on 14 July under the theme "Porto as an Economic and Industrial Hub: Challenges and Opportunities”, the event brought together business and institutional leaders to discuss how Porto can strengthen its competitiveness, attract investment, drive innovation and contribute to Portugal’s economic development.
At a time when cities are playing an increasingly important role in attracting talent, businesses and capital, the discussion, moderated by AEP Foundation President Luís Miguel Ribeiro, focused on the policies and initiatives needed to consolidate Porto’s position as a competitive, innovation-driven economy.
At a time when cities are playing an increasingly important role in attracting talent, businesses and capital, the discussion, moderated by AEP Foundation President Luís Miguel Ribeiro, focused on the policies and initiatives needed to consolidate Porto’s position as a competitive, innovation-driven economy.
During his address, Pedro Duarte argued that Porto’s future depends on diversifying its economic base while
strengthening high value-added sectors capable of driving innovation, boosting competitiveness and creating highly skilled employment. He
highlighted the PITCH projects
and the future Porto Economic and
Business District as flagship initiatives designed to attract investment, stimulate business growth and reinforce the city’s
economic ecosystem.
The Mayor also underlined Porto’s strategic importance to the development
of Northern Portugal, calling for a renewed national development model that places greater
emphasis on the economic potential of cities and regions. He emphasize that innovation, competitiveness and investment
attraction must be at the heart of this approach, while ensuring that economic growth goes hand in hand with improving
citizens’ quality of life and well-being.
The Conversations, by AEP Foundation, has
become an established platform for debate on Portugal’s key economic and social challenges, bringing
together political leaders, business
executives and institutional representatives.
