There are many reasons to choose Portugal as a business partner in the footwear cluster.
We selected 10:
Dimension
One of the most reputed footwear clusters in the world is based in Portugal. Responsiveness, quality and service of choice allow Portugal to export 80 million pairs of footwear to the world every year.
The sector exports more than 95% of its production to 172 countries on five continents.
Know-how
There is a big tradition in footwear production in Portugal. The sector is made up of more than 1 100 companies and employs 36 000 workers.
Cluster
Within a radius of 50 km from the city of Porto, there are hundreds of component companies, tanneries and leather goods. In Portugal, there is a true footwear cluster capable of responding to the demands of international markets.
Support base
Footwear companies in Portugal are supported by various institutions that allow the sector to remain at the forefront. Highlights include the Footwear Technological Center (CTCP), one of the most modern in the world, and the Training Centre (CFPIC), which trains hundreds of new employees every year.
Vision
The Footwear Cluster in Portugal recently launched its Strategic Plan for the next decade. The ambition is to make Portugal “an international reference in the footwear industry and to reinforce Portuguese exports, virtuously combining sophistication and creativity with productive efficiency, based on technological development and management of the international value chain, thus guaranteeing the future of a national productive base, sustainable and highly competitive”.
Safe
Portugal is one of the 20 safest countries in the world to do business (Forbes Magazine).
Investment
The Portuguese footwear industry is constantly evolving and wants to be a leader in the development of sustainable solutions. Over the next 3 years, it will invest more than 130 million euros in this specific field.
Under the Bioshoes4all project, a new generation of products is being developed.
Fair prices
One of the distinctive features of the Portuguese footwear industry is to present excellent footwear at fair prices. It is very difficult to find another partner with a similar quality/price ratio”.
Geography
Portugal benefits from a unique geographical location, which allows Central Europe to be quickly reached by land, while the vast Atlantic coast favours long-distance commercial operations.
Hospitality
Portugal is not just an exemplary business partner. The country is distinguished by its hospitality, unique cuisine and extraordinary landscapes.