At the invitation of LIDERE - Laboratory of Innovation in Regional Development and Entrepreneurship, and the Federal Institute of Santa Catarina, the Junta de Freguesia of Vila de Frades participated in the VIII LIDERE Mission, which took place between October 5th and 10th in Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The Portuguese delegation included, in addition to the Junta de Freguesia of Vila de Frades, the Municipal Council of Vidigueira, Municipal Council of Beja, NERBE/AEBAL, ACOS, Polytechnic University of Beja, and OriGIn Portugal.
During the mission, the excellences of the Portuguese territory were promoted and affirmed internationally. Highlights included the institutional reception by the Mayor of Lages, Carmen Zanotto, and participation in SEMIAR 2026, where Vinho de Talha, the Antão Vaz grape variety, the historical heritage linked to Vasco da Gama, the Wine Tourism offerings, and the E3 Project – Business and Entrepreneurship Space were presented.
The delegation visited the Orion Technology Park, a center for innovation and business support that will serve as inspiration for the E3 Space Project in Vila de Frades. Visits were also made to companies and media outlets, including Expolages and the Rádio Clube de Santa Catarina station, promoting the exchange of business opportunities.
The OVIBEJA América / Stand at EXPOLAGES initiative strengthened cooperation bridges between Alentejo and the American continent. The organization thanked the Federal Institute of Santa Catarina (IFSC) for their hospitality and rigor.
This mission represented a significant step in valuing the heritage, promoting the economy, and building new opportunities for the municipality of Vidigueira and its people.
