Portuguese small and medium-sized businesses have built strong brands over the years and a growing number of them are internationalising to markets beyond the European Union, including to China. The Chinese market, while offering many opportunities, may seem daunting at first to SMEs due to its vast size, language barrier and complex market access regulations.
To assist SMEs looking to do business in China, the EU SME Centre is organising on 28 May, with Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovação (SPI) and the Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCILC), a workshop in Porto on the opportunities and challenges of the Chinese market for SMEs. During this workshop, expert Julio López Castaño, Senior Advisor & Spain Representative at InterChina, will present an overview of the current business landscape and case studies of European companies operating in the Chinese market. He will also share best practices on market entry strategies, compliance with the regulations, and partnership building.
Agenda (Porto Time)
9:15–9:30
Registration of participants at the venue
9:30–9:35
Opening remarks Sara Medina, Member of the Board, SPI
9:35–9:50
Introduction to CCILC Vitor Costa, Head of North Delegation & Media Affairs, CCILC
9:50–10:05
Introduction to the EU SME Centre Sara Medina, Member of the Board, SPI
10:00–10:35
A Global View of China’s Economic and Business Landscape Julio López Castaño, Senior Advisor – Spain Representative, InterChina
10:35–10:50
Discussion and Q&A
10:50–11:10
Coffee break
11:10–11:40
Success Stories: Global Companies Thriving in China Julio López Castaño, Senior Advisor – Spain Representative, InterChina
11:40–11:55
Discussion and Q&A
11:55–12:25
Smart Growth in China: Strategies and Global Alliances for Success Julio López Castaño, Senior Advisor – Spain Representative, InterChina
12:25–12:40
Discussion and Q&A
12:40–12:45
Closing remarks
The workshop will be moderated by Isabel Correia de Castro.
Keynote speaker
Julio López Castaño
Senior Advisor & Spain Representative, InterChina
Julio López Castaño is the Senior Advisor – Spain Representative at InterChina, a leading advisory firm supporting foreign corporations in China and Chinese companies abroad, with a focus on strategy, M&A, and joint ventures.
With over 30 years of global experience across food & FMCG, energy, IT, and retail, he brings strategic guidance to companies undergoing business transformation, international expansion, and cross-border transactions. Julio also has deep, hands-on experience doing business in China, including several years living and working in the region.
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