The XII Ibero-American Business Meeting, organized by IPDAL in partnership with the Municipality of Alcobaça, Grupo Visabeira, and Atlântica – Instituto Universitário, took place in Alcobaça, bringing together ambassadors, business leaders, government representatives, local authorities, and institutional partners for a day dedicated to dialogue, collaboration, and strengthening cooperation among the countries of the Ibero-American community.
Following the welcome activities, participants gathered for the opening session of the conference, which began with remarks from Hermínio Rodrigues, President of the Municipality of Alcobaça; Paulo Neves, President of IPDAL; Natália do Espírito Santo, Director-General of Atlântica – Instituto Universitário; and Jorge Costa, Vice-President of Grupo Visabeira. Their addresses underscored the importance of municipalities, businesses and economic diplomacy in promoting investment, innovation and cooperation between Portugal, Europe and Latin America, before the conference continued with two high-level roundtable discussions focused on strategic issues for the future of the region.
The first session, “Local Governments Forum: Innovation and Local Development – New Solutions to Transform Territories,” featured Paulo Portas, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, and Miguel Relvas, former Portuguese Minister for Parliamentary Affairs. The discussion explored how municipalities can play a leading role in attracting investment, fostering territorial innovation and building partnerships with businesses and international stakeholders. Representatives of Portuguese municipalities, ambassadors from Latin American countries, business leaders, investors and local companies also contributed to the debate, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in creating more resilient, sustainable and competitive territories.
The second roundtable, “Beyond Trade: Maximizing the Economic Impact of the European Union–Mercosur Agreement on Territories,” brought together Jaume Gaytán, Head of Economy and Enterprise at SEGIB; José Ignacio Salafranca, Vice-President of the EuroAmerica Foundation; and Diego Durán, International Partnerships Manager at the EU-LAC Foundation. The panel examined how the EU–Mercosur Agreement can generate concrete opportunities for territories, businesses, municipalities, and investment corridors. The discussion also featured representatives from Mercosur countries’ embassies in Portugal, SDM – Sociedade de Desenvolvimento da Madeira, Ordem dos Economistas, and bilateral chambers of commerce and business associations, highlighting the importance of coordinated action to maximize the agreement’s economic impact across the Ibero-American region.
During the meeting, IPDAL also presented the draft discussion paper, Unlocking the EU–LAC Global Gateway, which explores opportunities to strengthen strategic cooperation between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean through the Global Gateway initiative. The draft paper served as a basis for discussion among participants and reflects IPDAL’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue and developing policy recommendations that strengthen EU–LAC relations.
IPDAL extends its sincere thanks to the Município de Alcobaça and Atlântica – Instituto Universitário for graciously hosting the XII Ibero-American Business Meeting, as well as to Grupo Visabeira for its valued partnership. The Institute also expresses its gratitude to CJR Renewables, IBERIA, CAF – Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina y el Caribe, BID – Banco Interamericano de Desenvolvimento, BBVA, SDM – Sociedade de Desenvolvimento da Madeira, Ordem dos Economistas, and all institutional and strategic partners whose invaluable support and collaboration made this event possible. Their collective commitment reflects a shared dedication to fostering stronger ties, promoting dialogue and advancing sustainable development throughout the Ibero-American community.
