Portuguese companies remain confident for 2026

Despite technological challenges, Portugal remains resilient and companies are looking forward to 2026 with confidence.

At an event ‘Looking at 2026 – Prospects in Debate’ organised by the American Chamber Of Commerce in Portugal held at the Sottomaior Palace in Lisbon on Tuesday, Portugal’s Secretary Of State for the Economy, João Rui Ferreira stressed the importance of strategic factors that boost competitiveness in Portugal: qualified human capital, an efficient energy sector, digital infrastructure, and Portugal’s position as an Atlantic bridge.

Secretary of State for the Economy, João Rui Ferreira

In the discussion panel that followed, these trends were reinforced: Carlos Robalo Freire (Aon) stressed the importance of risk management and resilience; João Mota (VOID Software) shared the experience of growth in the US market; Joao Machado (Pestana Hotel Group) highlighted investment in talent and technology; and Hugo Marcelo Nico (Tabaqueira) underlined the role of innovation and sustainability in exports.

In an increasingly demanding international context, a central idea remains: there are clear challenges, but also confidence in Portugal’s conditions to continue to grow and compete globally.

Image: L-R: Cristina Cabral Ribeiro (PwC Portugal), Hugo Marcelo Nico (MD Tabaqueira), João Mota (Director Void Software), João Machado (Ex.board: Pestana Group, and Carlos Freire (CEO AON).

Source and photos: AmCham Portugal