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1. What is the long-term vision you have regarding the development of your municipality?
We are elaborating a “Strategic Development Plan for the Municipality” together with a Municipal Masterplan (PDM - Plano Director Municipal) change, which I believe are both documents of extreme importance for the next years or even decades. Thus it is evident that we foresee a planned future. In the meanwhile, I believe that the major emphasis of our municipality will be on the expansion of different tourism offers, especially the ones related to environment, and as well the installation of industry with added value.
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2. Why do you consider your municipality to be attractive as a location for companies and businesses?
The municipality of Ponte da Barca, which is situated in the heart of the Minho region, has a geographic location very favourable for business objectives, due to its accessibility and its services and platforms for support.
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3. Do you think that the municipality has a vocation and is in the position to receive Foreign Direct Investment?
Yes, of course. This is due to the geographic situation and the fact that Ponte da Barca and its population always welcomed investors in a very hospitable way. Needless to say the interest of the region may not conflict with environmental issues.
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4. And concerning Domestic Investors?
The conditions are exactly the same as already referred to before.
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5. Is there any person or service available with the task to support potential investors who are considering establishing their production units in your municipality?
There is a Cabinet for Economic Development equipped with technical experts, including juridical support, and as well cabinets giving support in the field of engineering and international relations. Therefore any support for investors is proven.
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6. Which specific incentives could be offered to entrepreneurs who intend establishing their units in your municipality?
Ponte da Barca offers “Zero Price” terrains, exemptions of taxes and is part of a zone where the Municipal surcharge over corporate tax is reduced.
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7. What is the availability of labour in the area?
Ponte da Barca has Secondary Schools and a vocational school where pupils receive training in technological fields. CENFIM, the Centre for Vocational Training of the Metal and Metal-working industry is located about 4 km away. As well some institutions of Higher Education are in proximity, like the University of Minho and the Polytechnic Institute of Viana de Castelo.Thus we have manpower available from simple working men to graduates.
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8. How is the municipality being promoted so as to attract investors?
We make use of all possible means, including “internet”. And we as well participate in public sessions for the divulgation of investment and funding programmes. In 2006, I was in Spain, France, Austria, Angola, Argentina and Brazil, precisely to disseminate Ponte da Barca, as a form of incentive for local investment.
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9. Is there a specific message you have for potential investors?
I would like to address potential investors directly: “In Ponte da Barca your company has all the conditions succeed. From the administrative side you can count on our collaboration. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to contact us. Until then, I would like to give you my best regards.”
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