Quoted in a press release, the Secretary for Economy stated that "there are Chinese companies in the areas of artificial intelligence, pharmacology, biotechnology and tourism interested in investing in Madeira".

Taking stock of a five-day visit to Macau, Hong Kong and Hengqin, José Manuel Rodrigues said he met with dozens of investors and companies, pointing out that "Madeira is very attractive to Chinese capital seeking an entry point into the European market".

"Madeira can constitute an entry platform for Chinese investments in Europe, given its strategic position and the conditions it offers to investors," the official stressed, as quoted in the same statement.

The Secretary of Economy also highlights that "China is already the main exporter to Portugal outside the European framework, selling us five times more products than the United States," adding that visits by Chinese investors to Madeira are scheduled until the end of the year.

José Manuel Rodrigues also believes that Madeiran companies with export capacity "can and should seek market niches, especially in Macau and Hong Kong, particularly Madeira Wine, which is highly appreciated in these regions."

During the visit, the official says he also presented the advantages of the Madeira International Business Centre for foreign investment.

"If the European Union does not ignore this reality and authorises us to have a fifth, more competitive regime, like others granted (...), I believe there are conditions for us to once again have Asian investment in the Centre and give a boost to our business hub, if the Eurocrats in Brussels understand this," he concludes.