PRESS INTERVIEWS Questions:
- What are the objectives of the seminar?
In this days Dubai is a world stage in different areas, so it is in the building and construction. The objective of our presence in this seminar is to do a brief presentation of the Portuguese construction and real estate sector, to present the Portuguese offer in building materials and our expertise in architecture, engineering and construction, areas where Portugal has real and well differentiated advantages and to promote Portuguese companies and their international positioning in the global markets. This is a very relevant activity for the domestic economy, with a consolidated and vibrant business environment but has, also, a wide and prestigious presence on international markets. Promote the Know-How, competence and prestige of Portuguese companies and paving the way to enhance business partnerships, are primary objectives of this seminar.
What sectors do you focus on?
We will focus on construction, construction materials and products in general, particularly, in natural stone and ceramics. We will also give a brief glimpse of the Portuguese real state and housing market and its growing importance in the global markets.
- What do the speakers’ presentations focus on?
The presentations are oriented to show the capacities and the expertise of Portuguese companies, as well as the strongest points of our offer, such as the high quality of the products, innovative design, improved technologies and sustainable solutions. All this combined with a very special touch based in tradition and Portuguese culture, where influences brought from secular relations with such diverse people from Africa, America, Arabia, India, Asia and Oceania, gained its presence. We will also give information about internet sites, collective brands and platforms where it´s possible to know more about specific products and companies to do business with, as well as their importance, ambition and quality.
- What distinguishes the construction sector in Portugal?
Portuguese Construction sector has tradition, rigour, expertise and innovation, based on centuries-old history of building large infrastructures located all over the world, and a growing worldwide presence. Portuguese companies and their technicians of excellence have positioned themselves competitively in relevant areas such as sustainability, energy efficiency, urban rehabilitation and smart cities. The quality of our built environment, which combines historical and cultural heritage with modern infrastructures of great technical relevance, such as bridges, roads, ports, among others, is a is an excellent demonstration of our technical capacity and excellence.
In terms of natural stone, Portugal is very well known in Middle East, by its differentiated materials and products. Nowadays we placed in 7th on the worldwide trading, which gives us a very special highlight, since a sector in which the size of the territory and access to it can dictate the relevance of the country, being Portugal a small country, having a geological wealth and diversity that allows it to offer quite different materials and products, it is a reason of pride and notoriety. In the natural stone sector, Portugal is also worldwide recognized for its enormous capacity and know-how.
Regarding ceramics products, Portugal is also well known in the world. People expect a lot from ceramic products nowadays. we want them to be high-quality, innovative and attractively designed, providing the convenience and comfort need to all uses. The Portuguese ceramic industry can do it! Not only trying to adapt to trends and environments from many countries, cultures and customs but also respecting worldwide environmental awareness and the rational use of energy resources and raw materials. The products aim to assure sustainability and to increase the Love for Life.
- How does the development of the construction sector contribute to the growth of the economy?
All over the world, construction is considered fundamental for the economy, competitiveness and job creation and, in Europe, this sector plays a central role in the “Recovery and Resilience Strategy, because it is essential for structural challenges such as climate change and digital transition, youth unemployment, urban regeneration, energy efficiency, mobility and allows to invest today in building a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow. In Portugal, Construction and Real Estate sector represent 16,8% of GDP and 50,3% of total annual investment and it is a main driver of Portuguese economic growth and employment. In recent years Portugal has shown a new approach and a high degree of vitality and creativity in all sectors of the construction materials industry and the building industry. Today, it is well placed to become one of the major global suppliers of these products and services. Indeed, not only in Portugal but in many markets, there many examples of exemplary constructions and works and with Portuguese building materials or Portuguese building companies.
- What are the most important developments in the construction sector in Portugal?
Portuguese Construction and Real Estate Sector has been describing a growth trajectory over the last few years that has remained unchanged despite the pandemic. 2021 is the fifth consecutive year of production growth, with a positive variation of 4,3% and an additional growth of 5,5% is expected in 2022. One of the main drivers in this positive evolution is the private investment in real estate, with a strong boot from foreign investment, resulting from the country’s competitive position on an international scale. Other relevant development is the strengthening of the global presence of Portuguese companies. Portugal is the 4th European country in Africa and the 3rd in South and Latin America in terms of turnover in these construction markets. With this great development in the construction sector in Portugal, companies are giving more and more importance to sustainability, the environment and the circularity of materials without discouraging comfort and innovation. Urban rehabilitation is also of enormous importance in which Portuguese construction companies and suppliers of building materials specialize in innovative solutions.
- What are the latest materials used in the construction sector in Portugal?
Our companies are investing in new materials, industrialization, construction 4.0, digitalization and new production processes that are more efficient and incorporate more innovation, added value and technology. Our country has a vast cultural and historical heritage and, consequently, there is a unique capacity to reconcile traditional techniques and materials with the new demands of sustainability and the need to innovate and obtain productivity gains. We use a large variety of materials, either in the structures of buildings, either in insulation, in coverings, or in wellness equipment’s and furniture. Traditionally, we use mainly ceramics, natural stone, wood, cork and plaster in the interior of the buildings. In the exterior we use also ceramics, natural stone and nice ceramic roof tiles in the top of the buildings. In the case of the roofs, we have an increase of green roof systems, with natural products like cork. Metallic construction is also increasing and Portuguese companies have developed systems used in buildings all over the world.
- The most important current projects in Portugal and the Middle East in which your organizations working on?
As mentioned before, Portuguese construction companies have a very important role in European recovery strategy and, at a domestic level, that means building a large set of investments planned in “PRR” – Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan, from housing to large infrastructures such as metro lines and railways, among others. In the Middle East, a project that should be highlighted in this context is the construction of the Portuguese Pavilion at Expo Dubai, carried out by a Portuguese company and which clearly demonstrates the capacity of our Sector.
8. Benefits from the Portugal Pavilion participation at Expo 2020 Dubai?
We are aware of the importance and the global projection of this event throughout the world and we are certain that it will bring an important positive contribution to promote the image of the Portuguese Construction and Real Estate Sector and, consequently, allow the development of the internationalization strategies of our companies, both those that are already present in foreign markets and those that intend to expand their operations in other geographies. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase Portuguese construction, construction products and architecture services.
9. Examples of future projects between Portugal and the UAE in this sector?
We already have a strong connection between several companies of our countries, especially in areas like design and architecture. Both economies are open, have important relationships with high potential markets and we are sure that new projects and partnerships will arise very soon.
10. Is it expected to participate in other events during the year 2022 in the UAE?
We are now rebuilding our agenda, which was significantly affected by the pandemic, but what we can already state is that the UAE is one of our priorities in terms of international presence at events.
