Companies operating in artificial intelligence, pharmacology, biotechnology and tourism have expressed interest in investing in Madeira, with some investors already scheduling visits to the Region to explore opportunities firsthand.
This was one of the key conclusions drawn by the Regional Secretary for the Economy following a five-day mission to Macau, Hong Kong and the rapidly developing Hengqin area in China. During the visit, JosĂ© Manuel Rodrigues met with dozens of investors and business leaders, reaffirming that “Madeira is highly attractive to Chinese capital seeking a gateway to the European market.”
“Madeira can serve as a platform for Chinese investment in Europe, given its strategic location and the conditions it offers investors,” said Rodrigues.
Through Invest Madeira, three memorandums of understanding were signed during the mission, establishing closer cooperation with Chinese entities and strengthening economic ties between Madeira and several fast-growing regions of China, particularly those within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
“Madeira’s strategic location, political and social stability, public safety, attractive tax framework and exceptional quality of life create ideal conditions for attracting Chinese investment, particularly in advanced technologies, an area in which China is a global leader,” said the Secretary for the Economy.
Rodrigues highlighted the significant volume of Chinese capital currently seeking investment opportunities across Europe. He noted that China is already Portugal’s largest non-European trading partner, exporting five times more products to Portugal than the United States.
The Secretary also encouraged Madeiran businesses with export potential to explore niche markets in Macau and Hong Kong, particularly Madeira Wine, which he said is highly valued in those regions.
Rodrigues said he was impressed by the level of knowledge Chinese institutions demonstrated regarding Madeira’s economy and its leading companies, identifying strong potential for future partnerships. During meetings and conferences, he promoted the Region’s advantages for foreign investors, with particular emphasis on the Madeira International Business Centre (IBC) and its tax regime.
“The Madeira International Business Centre was very well received and favourably compared with China’s own special economic zones, which also rely on competitive tax systems to drive growth and development,” he said.
Looking ahead, Rodrigues argued that if the European Union authorises a more competitive fifth tax regime for Madeira, similar to arrangements granted to Malta, Cyprus, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, the Region could once again attract significant Asian investment.
“I believe there are conditions for the International Business Centre to regain momentum and provide a renewed boost to our economy, provided the European institutions recognise this reality,” he said.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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