This position was presented during a luncheon hosted by the Portugal-Canada Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which brought together business leaders, diplomats, and representatives of the Portuguese-Canadian community.

In an international context marked by instability and supply chain reconfiguration, Leitão considered that the current moment offers opportunities for new strategic partnerships.

"There are important opportunities to increase trade between Portugal and Canada," he said in statements to Lusa.

Industrial strategy

The governor highlighted that Canada is developing a defence industrial strategy, with investments that could involve companies from allied countries, including the European Union.

In this context, he argued that Portuguese companies could strengthen their presence in areas such as industrial production and technological cooperation.

Leitão also pointed to the automotive industry as a sector with potential for joint growth, especially in terms of supply chains. The official mentioned Canada's interest in accelerating the transition to electric vehicles, highlighting that Portugal has relevant technical expertise in this field.

The possibility of Portuguese companies integrating production and supply in Canada was identified as a concrete avenue for economic cooperation.

Increasing bilateral trade

The executive stressed that the organisation intends to increase bilateral trade and encourage companies to explore opportunities in both markets.

According to Severino, the CETA free trade agreement remains a central instrument for facilitating trade and reducing barriers between Canada and the European Union.

Alexandre Pales, director of the Global Center for Technology and Automation at Sodecia, based in London, Ontario, highlighted the country's role as a technological development centre for the company, a leading Portuguese multinational in the automotive components sector, founded in 1980 and headquartered in Porto.