Saudi-Portuguese Economic Horizons Expand Through Strategic Business Council
Portugal and Saudi Arabia formalise trade and investment ties via new business council and mounting real-world collaborations
Portugal and Saudi Arabia are advancing a structured and ambitious economic partnership, as evidenced by the formation of the Saudi-Portuguese Business Council (SPBC) and the matching Portuguese counterpart, the Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC), signalling a shift from symbolic protocol to actionable engagement.
The SPBC and PSBC stem from agreements signed in 2021 and became operational for the 2024–2028 term.
Since then, bilateral activity has rapidly accelerated.
In September 2025 the 2nd Portuguese-Saudi Private Sector Forum in Lisbon brought together nearly one hundred Portuguese companies and senior Saudi representatives, producing fresh memoranda of understanding and joint-ventures in technology, real estate and infrastructure.
In January 2025, a Saudi delegation to Portugal signed a tripartite framework agreement linking the SPBC, the Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Portuguese Business Council, with more than 260 Portuguese companies stating their readiness to enter the Saudi market.
Key sectors identified for collaboration include infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, technology and real estate—areas well aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda and Portugal’s strengths in innovation, services and European market access.
The trade volume between the two countries is modest but rising, reflecting growing economic complementarity.
Portuguese business leaders emphasise that they are encountering more than rhetoric.
Many describe Saudi investors as genuinely eager to collaborate, seeking stability, talent and access to broader European markets.
Portugal’s reputation for quality and innovation places it in a favourable light for Saudi capital looking to diversify beyond the Gulf.
Looking ahead, the partnership is expected to deepen with further investment forums, structured cooperation mechanisms and the entry of Portuguese firms as suppliers or regional hubs for Saudi-funded development.
The evolving economic bridge positions Portugal as a strategic European gateway for Saudi Arabia’s global expansion, while allowing Portugal to leverage Gulf capital, technology and infrastructure expertise.
Assuming sustained follow-through, this growth corridor between Lisbon and Riyadh may become one of Portugal’s most significant strategic opportunities in the coming years.
The SPBC and PSBC stem from agreements signed in 2021 and became operational for the 2024–2028 term.
Since then, bilateral activity has rapidly accelerated.
In September 2025 the 2nd Portuguese-Saudi Private Sector Forum in Lisbon brought together nearly one hundred Portuguese companies and senior Saudi representatives, producing fresh memoranda of understanding and joint-ventures in technology, real estate and infrastructure.
In January 2025, a Saudi delegation to Portugal signed a tripartite framework agreement linking the SPBC, the Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Portuguese Business Council, with more than 260 Portuguese companies stating their readiness to enter the Saudi market.
Key sectors identified for collaboration include infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, technology and real estate—areas well aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda and Portugal’s strengths in innovation, services and European market access.
The trade volume between the two countries is modest but rising, reflecting growing economic complementarity.
Portuguese business leaders emphasise that they are encountering more than rhetoric.
Many describe Saudi investors as genuinely eager to collaborate, seeking stability, talent and access to broader European markets.
Portugal’s reputation for quality and innovation places it in a favourable light for Saudi capital looking to diversify beyond the Gulf.
Looking ahead, the partnership is expected to deepen with further investment forums, structured cooperation mechanisms and the entry of Portuguese firms as suppliers or regional hubs for Saudi-funded development.
The evolving economic bridge positions Portugal as a strategic European gateway for Saudi Arabia’s global expansion, while allowing Portugal to leverage Gulf capital, technology and infrastructure expertise.
Assuming sustained follow-through, this growth corridor between Lisbon and Riyadh may become one of Portugal’s most significant strategic opportunities in the coming years.
