The President of the Board of OVIA, Ambassador António Martins da Cruz, participated as a keynote speaker at the Conference “Portugal–China: Economy, Education and Higher Education”, held on October 9, at the Universidade Lusófona – Centro Universitário do Porto.
The event, organized by the Universidade Lusófona in partnership with the Faculty of Law and Political Science (FDCP) and the Centro de Estudos CEAD Francisco Suárez, brought together distinguished academic, diplomatic, and business representatives to discuss the growing relationship between Portugal and China in strategic sectors such as the economy, innovation, and higher education.
In his address during the panel on Portugal–China Economic Relations, Ambassador Martins da Cruz emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as green technology, maritime economy, and sustainable energy, underscoring that Portugal stands as a reliable gateway for Chinese investment into Europe and a natural partner in the global green transition.
He also highlighted the role of OVIA in fostering international partnerships and promoting Oeiras as a hub of innovation, knowledge, and sustainability, aligned with Portugal’s strategic vision for the future.
The conference also featured interventions from Professor Fernanda Ilhéu, President of the Amigos da Nova Rota da Seda Association, and Dr. Y Ping Chow, President of the Portugal–China SME Chamber of Commerce, among others. The sessions were followed by a dynamic debate moderated by Professor Paulo Afonso Duarte.
Ambassador Martins da Cruz’s participation reflected OVIA’s commitment to building bridges between Portugal and China and to deepening dialogue in sectors that are shaping the next generation of economic and academic cooperation.
