Portugal 2022

“Some people spend their entire lives reading but never get beyond reading the words on the page, they don’t understand that the words are merely steppingstones placed across a fast-flowing river, and the reason they’re there is so that we can reach the farther shore… it’s the other side that matters.” (The Cave)

José Saramago

A CENTURY SINCE JOSÉ SARAMAGO BIRTH

This year, the 100th Anniversary of the birth of José Saramago was celebrated. The writer who entered history as the first winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature coming from Portugal has his works translated into more than 40 languages.

“The 16th of November 2022 was the centenary of José Saramago. As similar circumstances happen with other great figures, the anniversary was a privileged opportunity to consolidate the writer’s presence in cultural and literary history in Portugal and abroad. And also to pay homage to his figure as a citizen.” (Carlos Reis, Commissioner for the Centenary of José Saramago) In Serbia, this important jubilee was marked with an international photo contest, “Saramago through the lens,” organized by the Center for Portuguese language/Camoes Institute in Novi Sad and Festival Belgrade Photo Month, inviting readers of Saramago’s books to transform his narrative into images.

DIJANA MILOŠEVIĆ AWARDED BY THE HELENA VAZ DA SILVA EUROPEAN AWARD JURY

The Helena Vaz da Silva European Award, which this year celebrates its 10th edition, was established by the Centro Nacional de Cultura in cooperation with Europa Nostra and the Clube Português de Imprensa and with the support of the Ministry of Culture of Portugal, the Gulbenkian Foundation and Tourism of Portugal. On the occasion of the 10th anniversa-

ry of the Award, the Jury also granted a Special Recognition to Dijana Milošević, theatre director, writer, professor, and artist from Serbia, who is the founder and director of the DAH Theatre – Research Centre for Culture and Social Changes in Belgrade, in recognition of her key role in defending Europe’s culture and values. Dijana sits on the Board of IMPACT.

UNIQUE PHILATELIC EDITION

The philatelic edition of the 140 Years of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Serbia and Portugal uses various symbols to reflect several points in common between the two countries. In the first place, the appreciation

of culture unites the two peoples and is symbolized by two remarkable writers, the most expressive representatives of the cultural and literary milieu of the respective countries, José Saramago and Ivo Andrić, both laureates of the Nobel Prize in Literature.

TRANSIBÉRICA BY TAMARA JOKIĆ RELEASED BY SONY MUSIC PORTUGAL

Tamara Jokić is the first artist from Serbia to release an album for the prestigious Sony Music Portugal. The album “Transibérica,” which she recorded during the pandemic, traveling under masks and walking from Spain to Portugal, is a combination of all her previous aspirations and passions: five songs in Spanish and five songs in Portuguese. The album was produced by Javier Limon and Diogo Clemente,

and in support of how significant these collaborations are, the fact that Limon has 10 Grammys (he worked with Paco de Lucia, Marisa, Buika, Mala Rodríguez, Nella Rojas, Diego el Sigalomi and many others), while Diogo worked with names like Mariza, Anna Moura, Carminho, Dulce Pontes, Sara Correia. Tamara is the winner of the Mediterranean Music Institute Award, given to her by Berklee College of Music.

© Ema Bednarz

© Dah teatar

A STRONG 140-YEAR-LONG RELATIONSHIP

The celebration of 140 years of bilateral relations is a sign of good and improving relations between Portugal and Serbia. In the following interview, the Portuguese Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Maria Virgínia Mendes Da Silva Pina, talks about our friendship, cultural similarities, and many other topics.

Speaking about the anniversary of the Portugal-Serbian bilateral relations, how could you describe it?

To celebrate 140 years of bilateral relations is a symbolic mark, a sign of friendship between our two Countries, and a reminder that we should continue to focus on strengthening our ties. The current unstable times, with a war in Europe, make us understand even further how important friendship among Nations is. In the specific case of Portugal and Serbia, I feel this anniversary in a very special way, not only because I have the honor of being the Ambassador of Portugal in Belgrade.

140 years is a lot, and if we look at History, both Serbia and Portugal went through enormous changes but the best part of celebrating the anniversary is that it also gives us a good opportunity to look to the Future, and I am certain the relationship between our two countries and two people will evolve in a positive and constructive way. In that sense, this date is dual, as a commemoration of a past that made us meet and as the welcoming of a shared future. Which, in my case as a witness, with a vantage point, really makes me happy.

are among those. They bring us closer, despite the distance. The way my culture, Portuguese literature or Fado music, for instance, are appreciated in Serbia shows how our cultures can be close. In the specific case of Fado, it is also interesting how some of the sounds resonate with other sonorities of the Region. Let’s also not forget that our cultures both belong to the south of Europe, a region with a story that goes back thousands of years. Throughout History, despite the lack of direct contacts up until the XIX cen-

From the stories of Dejan Tiago Stanković, a Serbian writer who lives in Lisboa, we can learn about many cultural and social connections between our two nations. How far or close are our cultures, in your opinion?

Geography indeed separates us, but I believe that are many similarities between Portuguese and Serbian people. The friendly and hospitality characters

tury, being in this Region means that there are always some connections and trends that are engrained and that they show when the appropriate setting appears. In fact, it is very common that a Portuguese feels at home in Serbia and vice-versa, which has been helped by the possibility of enjoying a good “Pastel de Nata” in Belgrade or seeing in the libraries Portuguese

The current unstable times, with war in Europe, make us understand even further how important friendship among our Nations is

GEOGRAPHY INDEED SEPARATES US, BUT I BELIEVE THERE ARE MANY SIMILARITIES BETWEEN PORTUGUESE AND SERBIAN PEOPLE

Maria Virgínia Mendes Da Silva Pina H.E. Ambassador of Portugal to Serbia

writers translated, with, for example, most of Saramago’s or even listening to Fado in the radio. As for Dejan Thiago Stankovic’s books, they reflect, in fact, many social connections between our two societies, with historical glimpses but also with that unique perspective of someone that is lucky to have roots in these two countries.

The Great Portugal nation once was the door to the New World. What lessons did you learn from your history, and where is the World today when there’s not much to be discovered yet?

Portugal has quite a rich and diversified History. We like to think that we were the pioneers of globalization. The discoveries made our history global. But it also shaped our DNA in the sense that it opened us, allowing us to become bridge builders’, always willing to promote dialogue and cooperation among people and Nations. It is also important that the main accelerator for that change was given by our own European integration. After the dictatorship and the end of our colonial empire, society’s consensus was the need to move from our temporary isolation and be part of Europe, not only geographically. In one generation, the shift was huge and well succeeded. This does not mean we have forgotten our history. We just learned from it to project it for the Future, as you can see, for instance, with the Community of Portuguese Language Countries in which, in equal footing, countries sharing historical and cul-

tural bonds work on equal terms to promote not only our language but a globalized approach taking stock of our common ground.

What do you think about the Serbian perspective on the EU accession?

Serbia belongs to Europe, thus, should be part of the European Union. We often say that the EU will not be completed without the Western Balkans countries. And this is the plain truth. Serbia chose to be part of our European family when it applied for EU membership. Now, European integration is a process, there are criteria and conditions to be met. For that, but also for the well-being of the Serbian people, there are reforms that need to be pursued and implemented to meet those criteria and to be ready to accede to our big European family. We know it is a long process and sometimes with more obstacles than it seems at

SERBIA BELONGS TO EUROPE, THUS, SHOULD BE PART OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

first sight, but the effort pays off. Let me remind you that Portugal benefited enormously from the European membership and that this is the main reason for us to always be a supporter of enlargement, especially to Serbia and the whole of the Western Balkans. Serbia knows that it counts on Portuguese support, at all needed levels, from technical to political level. In fact, our

willingness to cooperate boils down to the final goal: to become a member of the European Union and make it complete and more capable of addressing the challenges this continent and the world faces.

How strong are the economic relations between Serbia and Portugal today? Is there room for expansion? When can we expect direct air routes between our countries?

Our economic relations are increasing, but there is still room for improvement. There is a potential that needs to be fulfilled in areas such as energy, environmental protection, e-government, digital or IT, and we are working on that since these are areas in which Portugal has great know-how and expertise that can be of an advantage for Serbia. We have been trying, in the last few years, to bridge the gulf between the economic exchanges and the political ones, bringing the former to the level of the latter. In that regard, there are efforts to put businesspeople talking with one another or finding areas where both countries can cooperate. Let me give you an example of Portuguese wines that you can find in several Serbian restaurants and that our producers are actively working to increase their presence here. Of course, to allow more exchanges, the ideal would be a direct flight to Portugal, something that I would very much like to see until the end of my term in Belgrade, but that depends very much on the flight companies’ market strategies that are still reeling from the consequences of COVID-19. Nevertheless, before the pandemic stroke the entire World, there was a plan to initiate a direct flight between Lisbon and Belgrade, so I hope that this project will see the light of day because it would be of great importance to increase the tourist flows. I do not know a single Serbian that visited my country and did not tell me that they loved it! The Portuguese culture, architecture, landscape, and, of course, gastronomy and wines are always mentioned, not to forget the hospitality of my people, and I must say that this is for me a reason of great pride.

by Dragan Nikolić

WE USE WORDS TO FIND EACH OTHER

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n his book Estoril, Dejan Tiago Stanković, a Serbian writer who lives in faraway Lisbon, reveals the unusual historical connection between our two peoples. On the occasion of an important anniversary – the 140th anniversary of bilateral relations between Serbia and Portugal – we spoke with him about what exactly drew him to Lisbon and how he incorporated the experiences of translating the two different kinds of literature into his work.

Your books are very popular and appreciated in Serbia. What is the situation like in that respect in Portugal, where you live? Are they familiar with your work there?

Everyone has to start somewhere. A writer first creates a name for him-

that the book would take off in Portugal, and it did by local standards, or at least, I thought it did until I hit it big in Serbia. Then I realized that something was stalling for me in Portugal. My publisher claims that the reason for this is that the Portuguese don’t have a developed reading habit, because,

self in his own language, then slowly, if they are lucky, in other languages too. When Estoril was included in the recommended reading list, I thought

according to statistics, out of all European nations they read the last. Books are expensive here, even double the price of books in Serbia. My publisher

A writer first creates a name for himself in his own language, then slowly, if they are lucky, in other languages too

Dejan Tiago Stanković Serbian-Portuguese writer and translator

ARCHITECTURE IS STILL TODAY ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT, IF NOT THE MOST SIGNIFICANT, FORM OF ARTISTIC EXPRESSION IN PORTUGUESE CULTURE

also says that the circulation figures in Serbia are almost unattainable in Portugal, even for the most popular writers and that I am more socially engaged and visible in Serbia, but not as much in Portugal.

Your life journey led you to Lisbon. What influenced your decision to make your home in that city?

It’s a great city. The mild climate, both in winter and summer, is the most appealing thing here. Everything is very comfortable, except that we don’t have central heating, so we have to warm ourselves somehow during those few days a year when it’s cold. Lisbon is big, but not too big, and I live in a neighbourhood where everything is within walking distance. My neighbourhood is predominantly immigrant and officially the most multicultural city quarter. It’s brimming with digital nomads, students who came here on the Erasmus programme and passing tourists. We are surrounded by many languages, we have excellent health care and good transportation. I live in downtown Lisbon so the airport is only a 15-minute drive away. Everything kind of goes my way. The Portuguese are a nation of merchants, very peaceful and polite, and used to foreigners in their environment, so they can get along with us just fine. Food is also a great passion for Portuguese and it’s as tasty as it gets. I especially like the fish here. The only thing is that the Portuguese are not excessively rich, but we have no reason to complain.

As an architect, what is your perception of Lisbon? Why is the city so beautiful?

The city was founded three millennia ago and it is officially the oldest permanently populated human habitat in Europe. That’s why Lisbon is designed with a purpose and the obvious intention to please the people who live in it - the city dwellers. Everything is made with human standards in mind. Not much irks you here. I think that in Lisbon, and Portugal alike, good things

are created as a result of a mentality characterized by a striking knowledge of measure and an amazing ability to separate the essential from the unimportant. Buildings are expensive, and when you invest a lot of money in something, it is deemed important, hence people do not take unnecessary

ESTORIL IS

HISTORICAL AND WAR NOVEL, SET IN

NEUTRAL COUNTRY, WITHOUT A SINGLE SHOT BEING FIRED

risks and usually hire experts like architects. Architecture is still today one of the most significant, if not the most significant, form of artistic expression in Portuguese culture. Álvaro Siza and Graça Moura are the two shiniest stars in the constellation of ingenious Portuguese architects. In terms of architecture, it is also important for people to be aware that in Portugal they build to last, so if your building collapses, it will most collapse by itself or in an earthquake, but it will certainly not be destroyed by bombs. Every building is seen as an endowment, to be recognizable, beautiful and moderate.

As a writer, what is the literary environment in Saramago’s country like?

I have deliberately chosen not to be too visible in Portugal. I live in seclusion. I’m careful how much I socialize and I don’t overdo it. I don’t have a fabulous social life and nobody invites me to theatre premieres unless a friend is playing, I don’t get stopped in the street by readers and I don’t have television appearances, so even those people who have read something of mine don’t know what I look like. I spend part of my working year here. I wrote practically everything in Lisbon. And a good part of it was inspired by Lisbon itself, admittedly mostly by the world I live in, that is, foreigners and immigrants who live there in parallel worlds with the local population. By the way, I met Saramago and spent a few days with him in Toledo, at the ‘Saramago and His Translators’ conference. I didn’t get the impression that he

was a product of mainstream cultureon the contrary, he was one of those rare people who do not depend on the environment, but solely on.

This year marks the centenary of José Saramago’s birth. You once translated his works. How much did those two-way translations from Serbian to Portuguese and vice versa contribute to the two cultures becoming closer and how much did they influence your subsequent literary expression?

When I started translating, I could choose which book to translate into Serbian as there were no translations in Serbian whatsoever. I started with my favourite Saramago novel – „Baltazar and Blimunda“. Later, I also translated Andrić into Portuguese. How much did I contribute to the two countries becoming closer? As much as translated literature can exert influence in this day and age, which is not that strong. I have translated three Saramago’s novels and they all have been printed in Serbia in tens of thousands of copies each. Thus, Saramago has become one of the most popular classics in Serbia. In the meantime, and thanks to the financial support that Portugal has been giving to foreign publishers for the translation and publication of Portuguese literature for decades, tens if not hundreds of Portuguese authors have been translated into Serbian. In Portugal, only maybe three of four Serbian novels have been translated into Portuguese – mostly Ivo Andrić and Dragoslav Mihajlović. I don’t know exactly how much the translation work has influenced me as a writer. I’ve always used translation as an exercise in writing, and it would make sense that it influenced me. However, book critics never noticed that I was influenced by the writers I was translating. Unfortunately, no one has ever told me - “You write like Saramago” or “You form sentences like Andrić.” That would be great because they are really great storytellers, so it’s a fantastic sign when they compare you to them. But they don’t.

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Come to think of it, translating has influenced me by informing me how to imitate the style of other writers, which I think is fun.

In your novel Estoril, you wrote about Europe during the Second World War, where you can see how intertwined the political elites and national societies of that time were. How did you manage to make this novel so historical and believable in every other way?

Estoril is a historical and war novel, set in a neutral country, without a single shot being fired. In fact, I am an unaccomplished film director, so I wrote that book by playing it out in my head, like a movie, and then retelling it just like I had watched them. And you can notice that in the novel. Most people commented that the novel is very visual and cinematic. By now, a lot of people from the film industry, especially the Portuguese ones, have noticed it too, so I’ve been getting offers for a long time to sell the book rights to them to make a series. I haven’t sold them yet because there hasn’t been a producer who would invest in making the series as much as I think they should. After all, this is a costume period drama and thus very expensive. I have also been contacted by quite a few American filmmakers with lavish budgets for TV series, but my impression is that they don’t understand or feel the theme, so such a story must be a European project. And it will be! It’s just a matter of time.

TRAVEL

TWO CITIES, TWO RIVERS

I f you just have a few days to spare and would like to discover a bit of Portugal, start with the country’s two main cities: Lisbon, a city filled with light standing next to river Tagus and the sea, and Porto, which shares its name with the famous wine, produced on the slopes of another river, the Douro. Both cities are multicultural and packed with plenty of sights and activities. The rivers are very much part of city life and provide a special atmosphere, particularly in the mild climate of spring and autumn, when the magic light takes on amazing hues. Stroll along historic neighborhoods, visit world

heritage sites and relax by the river in open-air cafés. Just to enjoy the good life.

Lisbon

In Lisbon, start by visiting the very heart of the city, Baixa Pombalina, bounded by the magnificent square called Praça do Comércio, which opens onto the river. The views are best appreciated by heading uphill to St. George’s Castle, to Santa Justa Lift, or to other viewpoints, such as São Pedro de Alcântara and Graça belvederes. Another interesting

The rivers are very much part of city life and provide a special atmosphere

thing to do is take a tram ride through the typical neighborhoods. The views over the built-up area and the Tagus, which unfold before your eyes at every turn, will take you by surprise, and perhaps the melody of fado mu-

NOT-TO-BE-MISSED EXPERIENCE: BELÉM DISTRICT

sic will too. Other not-to-be-missed experiences include a trip to the Belém district to sample the famous custard tarts and to visit the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower. Like fado, they are UNESCO World Heritage. You can also explore the National Coach Museum and Belém Cultural Centre and, at the other end of the city, the Parque das Nações district, a fine example of modernity with squares, gardens, and one of Europe’s largest oceanariums.

Porto

Porto is marked by the river Douro and by the Atlantic Ocean. Located in the oldest region of the country, Porto also boasts a huge wealth of heritage. The historical center, for a start, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore it by visiting austere and imposing granite monuments such as the Cathedral, the Clérigos Church and Tower, the Stock Exchange Palace, and the Church of São Francis-

co, which will surprise you with their rich interiors. Or go for a stroll along the highly popular Ribeira, the waterfront area alongside the river Douro. Boat trips set off from there will give you a chance to see the city from a different perspective. Go on one of the rabelo boats that were once used to transport barrels of Port from the wineries on the slopes of Douro to the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, a must-do trip with an opportunity to sample this incomparable drink. The city is also known for its contemporary architecture, such as the Serralves Foundation and the Casa da Música, which offer very interesting cultural programs. Álvaro Siza and Souto de Moura, from Porto’s Architecture School, are two of the most well-known Portuguese architects awarded with the Pritzker Prize. If you need a few moments simply to relax, there’s no better way than taking a tram ride to Foz, the mouth of the river or spending the afternoon chilling out at one of the open-air cafés overlooking the river or the sea.

THE CITY IS ALSO KNOWN FOR ITS CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE, SUCH AS THE SERRALVES FOUNDATION AND THE CASA DA MÚSICA, WHICH OFFER VERY INTERESTING CULTURAL PROGRAMS

SUCCESS LIES IN PRESERVING TRADITIONAL WINE VARIETIES

Željko Tintor Proprietor of Vinomond Wine Store

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ortugal is known for excellent wine, which is the reason why we talked to Željko Tintor, an importer of Portuguese wines to Serbia, who revealed some of the unusual and interesting secrets behind the success of this famous wine destination.

Portugal is a famous wine producer, and porto is a world-famous wine. What else interesting besides porto comes from Portugal?

Porto, Madeira and Moscatel de Setúbal are world-famous dessert wines. In the distant past, those wines were the first things you thought of when speaking about Portuguese wines. The first change took place in the 1980s when Vinho Verde rosé (produced by Mateus, Lancers, Casal Mendes...) won the taste buds all over the world. During that golden age, Mateus was filling a million bottles a week. A recognizable light style of

rosé with a low percentage of alcohol and “deliberately forgotten nonboiled sugar and trapped CO2 in the original packaging” was a recipe for success. Today, Portuguese wines are increasingly conquering worldwide markets with their special autochthonous varieties.

entire region is covered in slate stone and under UNESCO’s protection. The Douro region also features beautiful terraced vineyards. In 1999, the heirs of the famous families came up with the idea that something had to change because the sale of Porto wine had been constantly declining. Soon after,

What are the peculiarities of terroir and what varieties is Portugal famous for?

In the northeast of the country, lies the world-famous Douro region, named after the eponymous river that originates in neighbouring Spain. It is also the oldest denomination in the world. As early as 1756, Marquis Pombal defined the “rules of the game” and set the boundaries of the region. It is the largest cultivated mountain region in the world and the largest region under UNESCO protection. The

they started producing the first still wines. Success came relatively quickly and traditionally the Porto region was the first to open its doors to new wines, now produced under the Douro DOC label.

Vinho Verde is a border region, located in the northwest. It used to be called after the Minho River and now it is named after a wine. Unlike Douro, Vinho Verde has a Mediterranean climate, thanks to the river that runs through it and is also subjected to a harsh Atlantic climate. Wine made here is usually white with a lower

The Portuguese managed to resist globalization and uprooting domestic and planting French varieties. This is the only way to be recognized on the global market

AS FAR AS THE TOP PORTUGUESE WINES ARE CONCERNED, I DON’T THINK THERE IS A BETTER SELECTION OF SUCH WINES ANYWHERE OUTSIDE OF PORTUGAL THAN IN BELGRADE

© wannabemagazine

percentage of alcohol and in cheaper variants, it doesn’t contain CO2. In the far north, on the border with Galicia, lie two small towns - Moncao and Melgaco - where one of the most beautiful white wines of the Iberian Peninsula are made from the famous Alvarinho variety.

Some 100km below Porto, near the ocean, lies Bairrada, probably my favourite wine-making region. It is home to the Baga variety which is grown on limestone-clay soil. They usually compare it with Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir and it produces one of the longest-lasting still wines in the world. White wines from the Bical and Cerceal varieties also keep well in the bottle and can last over 20 years. Between Douro in the north and Bairrada in the east, lies a granite plateau at 550 metres altitude, surrounded by mountain ranges, called Dão. “I think that God itself made this region for wine production”, says Mr Alvaro Castro, the famous winemaker from the region. In short, this is Portuguese Burgundy. The wines made here are very luxurious and drinkable. The altitude, the proximity of the biggest mountain in Portugal and the minerality that the wines draw from the granite are the main reasons behind the longevity of these wines, which often surpass the most famous regions in the world. This is home to Portugal’s most famous varieties Tour-

iga Nacional and Baga, as well as the white grape variety Encruzado.

How well-known and in demand are Portuguese wines in Serbia? How is our market for these wines compared to other markets in the region and the world?

This year, I am celebrating two decades of working with and promoting Portuguese wines in Belgrade. Portuguese wines certainly have the best market placement in the region. It is much easier to sell “labels that are in demand”, namely Italian, French and the ones from the neighbouring

EVERY SAILOR ON EVERY PORTUGUESE SHIP HAD A RATION OF ONE WINE BOTTLE A DAY

countries than to promote wines with labels people often cannot even pronounce. As far as the top Portuguese wines are concerned, I don’t think there is a better selection of such wines anywhere outside of Portugal than in Belgrade. Some people in Portugal would also envy the wide selection of Portuguese wines in Belgrade. Certainly, much more wine is sold in developed markets, but it is mostly in lower price categories. In our country, sales in the higher price categories of Portuguese wine are certainly better.

How important is Portugal’s historical background as a maritime and colonial power for the development of viticulture? How much have Portuguese wines and varieties been influenced by other parts of the world?

Every sailor on every Portuguese ship had a ration of one wine bottle a day and there were a lot of sailors. It’s better to produce your own wine than to buy it from your neighbours. Certainly, as a maritime power and later a colonial one, Portugal influenced the spread of wine culture. Even today, the former colonies are one of the biggest consumers of Portuguese wines. But we should also highlight the special relations Portugal had with England, which was often in conflict with France, so Portugal was their closest solution for good wines. As a maritime power, they certainly exchanged varieties with other wine-making nations that would have seemed interesting to them. I think that Baga and Šibenik-based variety Babić are closely related. The wellknown Dalmatian winemaker Bibić told me that the old people call the variety Bagić, which also coincides linguistically.

Which Portuguese examples could Serbia follow to improve its winemaking?

At one time, the Portuguese managed to resist internationalization and uprooting domestic and planting French varieties. This is the only way to be recognized on the global market. There is certainly a market surplus of wines made from well-known varieties. Real wine connoisseurs are looking for usually wines that fully represent regions and climates. I always thought that we too must head in that direction. Out of all Serbian red grape varieties, Prokupac and Kadarka give wonderful wines, and of white grape varieties, I would like to single out Grašac, Furmint, Smederevka, Župljanka and Slankamenka.

Douro Valley in Porto wine region: Vineyards near Duero river and Pinhao, Portugal Europe / Shutterstock

A HUGE CHALLENGE FOR US ALL

gal in Serbia, which has been helpful and available to support us.

How important is renewable energy, especially today in times of energy crises, but also within the prospect of our planet and the future of humankind?

gy. It is recalled that in 2022 Portugal closed two coal-based power plants.

Are you familiar with the potential of Serbia in energy fields, and what could you suggest to improve how we could align with the European standards?

Conceição CEO Grupo NOV Ambiente & Energia

I n the midst of the global energy crisis, while searching for alternative energy sources, we spoke with Carlos Conceição, CEO of Grupo NOV Ambiente & Energia, one of the largest Portuguese energy companies that recently invested in big green projects in Eastern Serbia.

Your group signed an agreement to build a wind farm in Golubac, Serbia. Where are you today with this project?

We signed an agreement for the construction of a photovoltaic park and a wind farm with ten megawatts each. We are in the final phase of both projects, namely the precise location, finishing the study of migratory birds, and other issues related to electrical projects and grid connection points. We highlight the excellent cooperation of Serbian entities, Golubac municipality, and our Embassy of Portu-

Clean energies are fundamental to make sure for a more balanced and healthy future ensuring the sustainability of the Planet because they use available natural resources, such as the Sun and Wind. There is a strong impact on using fossil energies and how they interfere with the environment, so it is essential to change the paradigm of energy production. We all need energy, but we must evolve it and consolidate it into cleaner, greener energy to respect the environment and avoid intensive resource exploitation and its impacts. Clean energies guarantee our future and respect the planet. Regardless of the source used, we need to review and change our behavior and save energy. A huge challenge for us all!

Serbia has made a very interesting path, particularly in wind energy. There are relevant parks already installed and others under development, so it is a country already sensitive to this subject. These projects are very time-consuming because they require a lot of documentation, different entities; technical studies; environmental impact evaluation; studies of migratory birds so that the building of these important infrastructures does

SERBIA HAS MADE A VERY INTERESTING PATH, PARTICULARLY IN WIND ENERGY

not destroy or change existing natural habitats. Serbia has made this way by aligning itself with Europe legislation in this sector.

Are there any negative aspects of renewable energy, and what should they be?

Where is Portugal regarding renewable energy, comparing it with European Union?

Portugal is well positioned, as it began more than 20 years ago to invest in these sectors and ranks fifth among the countries of Europe. The main renewable sources used in Portugal are Hidrica, Eolyl, Biomass, and Solar. Like other countries, we have a way to navigate and deepen the production and greater use of renewable ener-

All human constructions have impacts, and we should manage and minimize them. There are visual impacts and, in some rare cases, some residual noise, particularly in wind farms on stronger windy days. That’s why distances are respected to ensure everyone’s comfort. Another issue that should be addressed is the recycling of the materials of the end life parks to glaze and recycle. Minor issues in relation to the importance of the production of green and sustainable energies to which industry will respond.

Regardless of the source used, we need to review and change our behavior and save energy

Carlos

THE COUNTRY INVESTS IN RENEWABLE PRODUCTION AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Portugal is in the Top 5 of electricity production through renewable energies

With a privileged geographical situation in terms of sun exposure, renewable energies have been the focus of greater attention and investment since the beginning of the century. It is, however, through the use of wind and water that Portugal is positioned as one of the countries in the world that uses the most renewable energies. Portugal is ranked 5th in the world for the incorporation of renewable energies in electricity production, only surpassed by countries such as Denmark, Uruguay, Ireland, and Germany. The consumption of renewable energies has already surpassed that of non-renewables. Renewable energy supplied 59% of electricity consumption in Portugal in 2021, of which 26% corresponded to wind energy, 27% to hydroelectricity, 7% to biomass, and 3.5% to photovoltaics. Natural gas (32%) and coal (10%) continue to be the largest sources of non-renewable energy,

although registering significant decreases over the years, given that in 2018 coal was responsible for 21% of energy consumption. This decrease is especially important since coal is one of the most polluting sources of energy and with the greatest harmful impacts on air quality with consequent harmful effects on health.

Hydrogen

An area that is gaining more and more attention is green hydrogen; with the country still divided as to the environmental and economic sustainability of this bet, the truth is that there is already a national strategy for hydrogen, and investments in this area are increasing. The Portuguese government predicts that, by 2030, green hydrogen will represent 1.5% to 2% of final energy consumption. If until now, the country has been betting heavily on large renewable pro-

duction projects, it is now starting to invest heavily in energy savings and in decentralized production for self-consumption or energy communities. Leveraged by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), whose sustainability is one of the fundamental pillars, 90% of the large areas to be financed contribute directly or indirectly to the 2030 National Energy and Climate Plan. With a total of €16 644 million, the PRR has 38% of this amount dedicated to the climate transition, with €1 695 million earmarked for investments entirely related to energy.

IAPMEI - Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation is the state body supporting SMEs and is responsible for managing PRR funds directly linked to companies. Supporting SMEs all the way, the goal is to boost SME competitiveness and business growth.

by Luís Castro Henriques, CEO

RIGHT PARTNER, RIGHT CHOICE

As the World is more and more globalized and competition for new and high-added value foreign projects keeps on growing, it is important to understand how Portugal is positioning itself to show its dynamism and key competitive advantages for investors. Portugal is on a growth trajectory. In 2021, Portugal reached a record level of productive investment (industrial, R&D, and engineering centers), more than doubling the previous record high in 2019 with 2.7 billion euros, despite all the constraints posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, in October 2022, it was possible to beat the previous record of new clients investing in Portugal, with 42 new projects accompanied by AICEP, many of them in the Business Services arena, with an especially innovative and technological profile. This record amount of investment is the culmination of consistent work done by Portugal in the previous years, not only to attract an increasing number of new investors but also to support existing key investors in reinvesting in their Portuguese operations. So, what are the main factors enabling these results? Portuguese talent is today the key driver behind many investment decisions in the country. Without a competitive workforce, innovative investments cannot be raised. Portugal has the 3rd highest rate of engineering graduates in Europe, capable of creating industrial solutions that are one-of-a-kind. It’s not only Made in Portugal but Invented and Created in Portugal too. Social and Political Stability also plays a major role in the Portuguese dynamic for

new investors. Portugal is considered a low-risk country, welcoming foreigners as nationals. This is very significant for newcomers as this topic is becoming more present in the meetings held with investors. When you look at the profile of FDI in Portugal, one sees that we now have a more diverse scene. It is no longer marked by pure industrial investment but by one where technology plays a vital role. In the last edition of the EY Attractiveness Survey, Portugal had Research & Development activities, especially in the areas of Digital and Information Technology, as the second largest sector receiving new projects. Portugal now has more than 140 Tech hubs with a global reach, developing a wide range of software and telecommunication solutions. Portugal has become the largest software development hub for the German automotive industry outside Germany. Even manufacturing projects now show this strong link to technology. As an example, the Portuguese automotive industry is now working on the transition to an electric vehicle as new projects are developed nationally. Portugal’s goal is to keep on attracting highly added value projects. The country’s ambition is to have new projects that can deliver products and services with a high demand on international markets and that are a showcase of our skills, our talent, and our

innovative profile. AICEP will keep on focusing on companies where the level of product complexity is higher to make sure that the Portuguese competitive advantages are targeted by the most rewarding projects. The challenge is quite clear. To make Portugal the right partner and the right choice as the country where companies can come to produce state-of-the-art innovative products and services for a global market. We strongly believe we can deepen economic relations by encouraging business cooperation, promoting bilateral direct investments and exchanging relevant information. A decisive step forward was taken with the Serbia-Portugal Business Seminar, organized in April 2021 by AICEP in collaboration with the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of both countries (CCIS and CCIP) and attended by around 70 Portuguese and 30 Serbian companies. It is no coincidence that, by September 2022, Portuguese exports to Serbia had increased by 84.9% compared to the same period of the previous year, reaching nearly 30,8 million euros. In addition, 283 companies exported to Serbia in 2021. This data gives us the confidence to say our economic relations still have room to grow. Portugal is very interested in broadening and deepening the economic and trade relationship with Serbia. Count on AICEP to be a faithful partner.

The current unstable times, with war in Europe, make us understand even further how important friendship among our Nations is

BUSINESS RELATIONS WITH THE PORTUGUESE TURNED INTO A FRIENDSHIP

Predrag Vuleta Owner and Director of Dip-trade Company

We spoke with Predrag Vuleta, the owner and director of the Dip-trade Company, which has been importing renowned top-quality footwear from Portugal for twenty years.

Your company has been cooperating with Portugal for 20 years. What is the company’s core business activity and what are your experiences regarding that cooperation?

DIP-TRADE D.O.O. is a privately owned company, founded in 1998. During the last two decades, which is how long we’ve been in this business, we have been engaged in import, export, wholesale and retail sale of footwear, clothing and accessories, as well

as manufacturing sunglasses. We have been cooperating with suppliers from Portugal since the very beginning, and that import programme forms the basis of our sales. Although it is sometimes difficult and stressful to carry out all planned business ventures, the experiences we have accumulated from that cooperation are valuable. How would you describe the footwear industry in Portugal? Many Portuguese brands are also popular here, but hardly anyone associates them with Portugal.

you cope with the fact that Portugal and Serbia have inadequate transport connections?

THE FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY IN PORTUGAL IS BASED ON TRADITION, QUALITY MATERIALS AND TOP DESIGN

Transport and logistics are very important links in our line of business. We are lucky to have cooperated for years with a freight forwarding company that perfectly understands our needs and efficiently and professionally solves the problems that inevitably arise. Difficult and unpleasant situations that accompany every import or export should be viewed as challenges that we face and overcome.

The footwear industry in Portugal is based on tradition, quality materials and top design. Many Portuguese companies are renowned shoe manufacturers, but unfortunately, they are not visible marketing-wise in our part of the world. I would like that to change and I sincerely hope that DIPTRADE D.O.O. contributes to the affirmation of Portuguese brands.

How important are transport and logistics in your business and how do

What are the particularities of your cooperation with Portugal?

Although a geographically distant country, Portugal has many similarities with Serbia - the Portuguese mentality, habits and way of thinking are complementary to ours, which facilitates communication and cooperation. Many business relationships have turned into friendships, which is certainly a rarity these days.

Although geographically distant, Portugal is very similar to our part of the world

PORTUGAL MAKES SENSE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE & INVESTMENT

With almost nine centuries of history, Portugal is an innovative, sophisticated, and forward-looking country where sustainability is a priority and an industry concern

Portugal is a modern country where it makes sense to develop business partnerships or invest because it brings together the assets a business needs to thrive.

Portugal stands out for its openness to foreign investment and trade which is recognized in international rankings, for its robust innovation system, with a long tradition of cooperation with enterprises, for its pool of highly qualified human capital and for its reliable industrial know-how committed to meet costumers’ requirements with a flexible approach.

Portugal has a strategic location bridging distant countries either you go east or west and serving as a gateway to Portuguese-speaking countries. Top communication infrastructures help connect people and connect companies to their markets.

DEEPER INTO WHY PORTUGAL MAKES SENSE

In recent years, Portugal has shown to the world its capabilities in the areas of Industry, Trade and Tourism, increasing exports in volume and val-

ue, and attracting more and better investment. Despite the obvious effects caused by the pandemic on the world economy and in Portugal, the industry has not stopped, and the country remains open for business.

Today, Portugal is a competitive, innovative, and attractive country, with the 3rd highest rate of Engineers in the EU, a high English proficiency level as well as one of the highest levels of peace and stability, this makes Portugal the 4th Best Expat Destination Worldwide and one of the countries with a great Quality of Life.

Portugal’s innovation performance went up 6.4%-points between 2015-2022, and the country’s major strengths are related to talent availability, namely in terms of foreign doctorate students, population with tertiary education and employed ICT specialists, but also digitalization, particularly when it comes to broadband penetration and government support for business R&D. Thus, Portugal moves up two places in the European Innovation Scoreboard 2022. Also, according to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Report 2022, Portugal ranks 20th among the most sustainable countries in the world out of all 193 UN Member States. The overall score measures the total progress toward achieving all 17 SDGs. Its strategic location and transport infrastructures ensure full and easy integration in the European market for companies from many countries, as Portugal is the nearest European country to the US and Canada and has the same time zone as the UK and Ireland. Furthermore, Portugal is also a gateway to Portuguese-speaking countries around the world.

PORTUGUESE ECONOMY AT A GLANCE

Portugal is an open nation with a modern and sustainable economy. The Portuguese economy is characterized by a high weight of the services sector, which corresponded to 75.8% of GVA and employed 69.9% of the active population in 2020. Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries represented only 2.3% of GVA and 5.4% of employment, while industry, construction, energy, and water accounted for 22% of GVA and 24.8% of employment. In the last decade, in addition to a greater incidence and diversification of services in economic activity, there was also a significant change in the pattern of specialization of the manufacturing industry in Portugal, moving away from dependence on traditional industrial activities to a situation in which new sectors, of greater technological incorporation,

have gained weight and a dynamic of growth, standing out in the automotive and components sector, electronics, energy, pharmaceutical sector and the industries related to new information and communication technologies.

Portuguese exports make the biggest contribution to Portuguese economic growth. From January to September 2022, GDP (Gross Domestic Product) grew by 8 per cent when compared to the same period in 2021. Portuguese exports reached 88.5 billion euros, representing 49.9 per cent of the GDP.

According to data from INE - Portuguese Statistics Institute, at current prices, GDP increased by 11.7 per cent in the first nine months of 2022, reaching 177.3 billion euros. This is an increase of 9.7 percentage points, compared to the same period in 2021.

Portuguese main exports of goods are Machinery and Appliances; Motor Vehicles and other Transportation Equipment; Common Metals; Mineral Fuels; Plastic and Rubber Products; Agriculture goods; Chemicals products; Cellulose Pulp and Paper. Portugal is also a major exporter of clothing and footwear.

Portuguese exports of goods and services are mainly destined for the European Union countries. Spain, France, and Germany are the main customers of Portuguese goods and services. Extra EU, the United Kingdom and the United States of America are Portugal’s main customers.

Despite the challenging times, Portugal continues to break new records in attracting Foreign Direct Investment. Productive FDI exceeded 1.7 billion euro in 2021 and is expected to surpass this value in 2022. Technological and highly qualified investments stand out among the projects Portugal managed to attract.

The European Commission’s latest projections point to real GDP growth for Portugal of 6.6 per cent in 2022, while the growth forecast for the Eurozone is 3.2 per cent. If these projections hold, 2022 will be the second consecutive year in which Portugal’s GDP grows above that of the Eurozone and the sixth since 2016.

ABOUT PORTUGAL

Located in southwestern Europe, Portugal is a welcoming and multicultural country with an open economy, where culture and tradition coexist with design, innovation, technology, and R&D.

Its strategic location, at the crossroads between the European, African, and American continents, as well as its status as a European Union and Eurozone member state, make Portugal the ideal partner for your business.

According to top international rankings, Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world with political and social stability, as well as one of the countries that invests the most in renewable energy sources and policies to combat climate change. Portugal’s excellent infrastructures, telecommunications, and quality of life attract visitors and companies from all over the world. Portuguese goods are characterized by their quality, authenticity, and exclusivity, which is why they are highly sought after by well-renowned international customers.

ABOUT AICEP

Trade & Investment Agency is the public entity that promotes the capture of productive investment, the increase of exports, and the internationalization of Portuguese companies and economy, through its offices in Portugal and a network in more than 50 markets.

WhyPORTUGAL

HOSPITALITY

• The 6th safest country in the world;

• The most welcoming place for expatriates;

• Top 10 MIPEX countries with the best integration policies for migrants;

• 300 sunny days a year;

• +900km coastline;

• 15ºC average temperature;

• Free Health and Education Systems.

PREPARATION

• 11th country with the best fiber optic connection;

• 28th fastest broadband country;

• Updated ecosystem data in Dealroom;

• Visa programs for entrepreneurs and qualified talent.

TALENT

• 7 unicorns (and a few more on the way);

• 7th place in the English Proficiency Index;

• 2nd country with the highest growth in the Euro Zone in the 4th Quarter of 2021;

• The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem corresponds to around 1% of the GDP.

STARTUP PORTUGAL

Startup Portugal is a non-profit organization with the mission of promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in Portugal.

In liaison with different entities and partners, it develops several initiatives that contribute to the growth of the ecosystem and to a greater culture od entrepreneurship in the country.

We operate as an intermediate between government entrepreneurs, incubators and ac-

celerators, finding the needs of the ecosystem and trying to solve them.

We help design and implement public policies and private initiatives that continuously serve the community and attract the best foreign talent, founders and investors.

In 2020, the overall value of unicorn startups (private company with a valuation over 1 Bbillion€) was 36,8 Billion € which equals 18% of the country’s GDP.

Portugal is becoming a privileged center for entrepreneurship in Europe and a preference for digital nomads. It’s easy to see why.

PORTUGUESE BOOKS

A LITERARY JOURNEY

Portuguese authors can be good travel guides, through the stories and the memory of the places they visit, such as Fernando Pessoa or José Saramago, just to mention the most well-known

outes through scenarios and landscapes that passed from reality to fiction, where writers witnessed emblematic, passionate, dramatic, historical stories, failures, and victories, are an invitation to discover them as well as their houses, which are privileged places to understand their life and work. On 16th November 2022 the centenary of José Saramago, Nobel Prize for Literature, was celebrated and it was a privileged opportunity to consolidate the writer’s presence in cultural and literary history, in Portugal and abroad. Don’t miss the Portuguese unique libraries and bookstores, also providing differentiated experiences and creating value for the literary tourism ecosystem, high-

lighting two libraries that are UNESCO world heritage in the University of Coimbra and in the Palace and Convent of Mafra. The features that make up the Portuguese character in cities, monuments, and landscapes, tell in their own way a part of the history of the world. The 17 World Heritage Sites portray the country’s history and culture, the people who have inhabited the land since time immemorial and the outlook of those who travelled and learned from the rest of the world, adapting this knowledge to their way of life. Monasteries and convents of historic and artistic importance, outstanding monuments, historic centres, cultural landscapes, which offer some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the country, were classified by UNESCO.

The list is completed with icons that define a people’s way of being in their moments of celebration: Fado, the Cante Alentejano (Alentejo singing) and the Mediterranean diet. The Intangible Cultural Heritage list also includes arts and crafts, such as the manufacture of rattles, the manufacture of the black pottery of Bisalhães, the art of the Royal Falconry, the manufacture of clay dolls in Estremoz, and celebrations such as the Carnival of Podence and the Community Festivities of Campo Maior.

Photo: Biblioteca, Convento de Mafra © Antonio Sacchetti

TIME TO SAVOUR

Portugal is a country of strong wine tradition, and their excellent quality is recognised across the world. In fact, it is known that vines have been widely grown in Portugal since at least the time of the Roman Empire. The best way to explore the art of wine is by visiting the regions where they are produced and discovering the landscapes, heritage, culture, and the people who live there. Wine routes will provide excellent trips to find a pleasure that has been perfected over time.

For its authenticity, beauty and monumentality, the Douro wine region was recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage. Originally, the Douro Valley was one of the most rugged regions of the territory. However, the landscape has been sculpted by man over time,

shaping it into terraces, which defy the gravity of the steep slopes where the vines are planted. In 1756 it was defined as the 1st demarcated wine region in the world, registering the vineyards and classifying the wines according to their quality.

In the Azores Islands, the landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture is worth mentioning. The vines planted in the lava rock are tightly enclosed by dry stone walls in plots that are protected from the sea wind but let in the sunshine necessary for their maturation. Combining their volcanic nature and ancestral cultivation practices, it was also classified by UNESCO.

Wine and gastronomy are becoming increasingly relevant has a cultural

element and contributing for the economic development in the Portuguese territory as well as the assertion of Portugal´s identity.

To be also mentioned, the Mediterranean Diet, which is a key part of Portuguese gastronomy. It is based on fruit and vegetables, high quality bread and largely unrefined cereals, fresh and dried pulses (beans, chickpeas, broad beans etc.), dried and oily fruits (walnuts, almonds, chestnuts, or raisins, among others), olive oil as the main source of fat, and the consumption of fish.

UNESCO considered it to be nothing less than a lifestyle, also highlighting the sense of conviviality, celebration and the passing on of knowledge at mealtimes.

© Jose Sarmento

Matos

MADEIRA

600 years after being discovered by the Portuguese, the archipelago of Madeira continues to amaze people. It has consistently been ranked the best island destination, a fact justified by its characteristics and its first-rate tourism services. The year-round mild temperature, the natural beauty, the luxuriant vegetation, and the extensive beaches of golden sand of Porto Santo Island are great attractions that let you enjoy many outdoor activities. Go for nature walks along the water canals called levadas, visit an ancient laurisilva [laurel] forest that is a World Heritage Site, learn about the cultural heritage, enjoy the sun on the beaches and in natural pools, play golf or take part in health and wellness programmes - these are some of the options that make for a perfect holiday. Throughout the year, some events are also opportunities to enjoy the cuisine and see Madeira in festive mood: the Carnival parades, the Flower Festival, the Atlantic Festival and, above all, the end-of-year fireworks display which takes place across the island and is best seen from the sea.

ATLANTIC

DO YOU KNOW WHERE PARADISE IS?

AZORES

In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the archipelago of the Azores is the ideal destination if you are looking for a haven where nature is still in a pure state and in perfect harmony. Appreciated for their geodiversity, protected marine wildlife and for having four islands that belong to the world’s biosphere reserve network, the Azores islands are in the Top 100 most sustainable destinations in the world and have been regarded as one of the 10 leading destinations for good sustainability practices. There are 9 islands of volcanic origin, with a stunning landscape at every turn, as the first Portuguese who discovered these Atlantic islands surely found. A history going back centuries, with a unique heritage such as the Pico Island vineyards and the city of Angra do Heroísmo, both recognized by UNESCO. Discover natural waterfalls and lagoons in ancient volcano craters, bathe in the hot water springs, take a boat trip to watch dolphins and whales, wander along the network of nature trails, or climb above the clouds to the top of Pico, the highest mountain in Portugal.

Dreaming of having a holiday on an island is very close to the idea of paradise, and for those who have this motivation in mind when it comes to deciding, the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira are destinations not to be missed.

Criação Velha

© Veraçor-Turismo Azores

With a mild year-round climate and scenic views, Portugal is ideal for walking and cycling, one of the best ways to find those nooks and crannies that otherwise you would never get to know. Crossing fields or strolling along the beach, a vast network of trails will allow you to see the country from a different perspective or simply follow where the whim takes you, just for the pleasure of it. It is a fulfilling and sustainable way to discover the variety of unique landscapes Portugal has to offer. Most holiday makers think

of the country as a Sun & Sea destination, where the Algarve and Madeira come to mind. What most people don’t realize is that Portugal also has amazing activities available, like walking & cycling trails, surf or even sports for adrenaline lovers, such as canyoning, paragliding, rafting and many other. Most of these activities usually take place in less visited locations but are prepared to welcome tourists and have astonishing small hotels that help the local economy, being an important pillar of sustainability.

ENJOY NATURE

EMBRACE A SLOW TOURISM EXPERIENCE

©Henrique Seruca-Turismo Madeira

Time to taste #TimeToBe

It’s time to flow. Leave the sense of urgency behind and toast to the best of life without barriers, without the clock ticking. Say hello to long and slow shared meals, flavours and aromas of the olden days. Let’s go back to craving for togetherness. It’s time to taste. It’s time to be.