Chamber of Commerce has a finger on the pulse
CHRIS BARTON URGES U.S. FIRMS TO CONSIDER INVESTING IN PORTUGAL

CHRIS BARTON CEO of the British-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce

THE European Union has a population 40 percent greater than that of the United States. Its common currency, the euro, has reached parity with the U.S. dollar, while its projected growth far exceeds anything the United States can even dream of.

So, what do you do—take them head on in all the competitive markets, lobby your congressman for a far-reaching trade embargo, or look for opportunities within their market?
If you happen to be in the latter camp, then your best springboard may be Portugal.

You will need to know something about the country—its location, people, customs, government and business climate. And the people with their finger on the pulse are the British-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce, based in the capital, Lisbon. The Chamber is a non-profit, non-partisan organization funded by the subscriptions paid by its members and by the services it provides.

It aims to promote trade and business opportunities between Portugal and other countries by assisting companies to gain access to appropriate services, and providing guidance and contacts for the furtherance of their business.

MARKET ACCESS Knowledge of the people and business climate is important for investors

The Chamber also aims to provide a forum for expressing views on topics affecting the business and social environment for people of all nationalities
who use English as a business language.

You may find the Chamber’s business portal a useful tool at www.bpcc.pt. The site not only tells you all about the chamber, but is loaded with statistical data, events, networking opportunities, services like translations and debt collection, sectorial reports, business interviews and articles.

So, while your American business colleagues are still scratching their heads over the threat or opportunity conundrum, you could be stepping off the plane and heading for fresh fields.