On May 15, OVIA’s President, Ambassador António Martins da Cruz, was a guest speaker at the Network Lunch “East and West – The World in 2026”, organized by the ANRS – Associação Amigos da Nova Rota da Seda and held at the Círculo Eça de Queirós in Lisbon.
The event brought together academics, entrepreneurs, experts, and institutional representatives for a reflection on the challenges and opportunities shaping the current international landscape.
In his speech, Ambassador António Martins da Cruz provided a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of Europe-China relations, the repositioning of major global powers, and the impact of ongoing geopolitical transformations on the international economy.
The President of OVIA also highlighted Portugal’s strategic importance as a bridge between Europe, China, and the Portuguese-speaking world, emphasizing the need to strengthen the country’s role as a privileged platform for economic, business, and institutional cooperation.
The session was followed by a dynamic debate among participants, confirming the growing interest in understanding the new international balances and the opportunities and challenges that may arise from them.

