The Mayor of Barcelos, Mário Constantino Lopes, advocated for an economic evolution for the municipality during the 2035 Economic Forum, held at the Theatro Gil Vicente. The strategy aims to build upon innovation, knowledge, and value creation, while preserving the local industrial tradition.
The mayor highlighted that the plan intends to enhance business competitiveness, attract investment, and generate skilled employment, with the goal of increasing salaries and offering new opportunities to young people. "The true success of this strategy will not be measured solely by the number of companies we attract or the investment volume we mobilize. It will be measured by our capacity to improve people's lives," he stated.
The Secretary of State for Economy, João Rui Ferreira, emphasized the importance of the municipal strategy and its alignment with national and European economic challenges. He identified simplification of public administration, investment in innovation, and strengthening internationalization as key priorities, advocating for closer ties between scientific knowledge and the business sector.
As part of the economic attractiveness measures, Mário Constantino Lopes announced that the review of the Municipal Master Plan will include five new business reception areas. The project Barcelos Smart Digital and Design Hub, developed in partnership with the Universidade Politécnica do Cávado e do Ave (UPCA) and business partners, was also highlighted for its aim to bridge scientific knowledge with business needs through industrial design and digitalization.
The study for the Strategic Plan, led by professor João Cerejeira from the Universidade do Minho, identifies challenges such as increasing productivity, improving wages, and retaining qualified youth. The strategy, under the concept "Created in Barcelos", seeks to position the municipality as a territory for knowledge creation, design, technology, and innovation.
The Plan outlines five priority agendas: talent and qualifications; innovation and internationalization; attractiveness and investment; digital transformation; and valorization of cultural and territorial resources. Proposals include the creation of an Urban Technology Park and a Municipal Economic Development Agency.
The event also featured a panel discussion on "Barcelos' 360° Development," moderated by João Cerejeira, with participation from Maria José Fernandes (CCDR-N), João Miranda (businessman), Alexandra Malheiro (rector of UPCA), and Carlos Costa (Universidade de Aveiro). The debate focused on institutional cooperation, innovation, qualification, and internationalization.
