CIIP and AICEP sign a cooperation protocol to boost bilateral productive investment
The alliance includes the reopening of AICEP in Caracas to channel new business opportunities with 30 European companies.
The International Center for Productive Investment (CIIP) and the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency (AICEP) signed a cooperation protocol on Tuesday, November 3, at the Centro Portugués in Caracas.
CIIP President Alejandro Puglia and AICEP Board Chair Ana Paula Borges Casaca signed the document. Its purpose is to strengthen the CIIP's technical and operational capabilities. The agreement drives investment promotion, attraction and facilitation. It also prioritizes the transfer of knowledge and institutional best practices.
The signing took place during the Portugal-Venezuela Business Forum 2026. The event was part of the official visit of Portugal's Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Manuel Castro Almeida. The minister announced the reopening of AICEP's office in the Venezuelan capital. The agency will operate permanently alongside the Portuguese embassy.
AICEP Chair Ana Casaca said the office will make it possible to identify concrete opportunities in the Venezuelan market. It will offer direct support to European companies interested in developing projects in the country.
The Portuguese delegation included the Secretary of State for Communities, Emídio Sousa. He was accompanied by representatives of 30 companies in energy, construction, banking, health, technology, pharmaceuticals, food and tourism. The CIIP guides and channels the development of these new strategic alliances.
At the event, the President of the Republic, Delcy Rodríguez, reaffirmed the will to build a solid economic relationship. This alliance has a strategic outlook projected to 2040. Rodríguez highlighted the aim of consolidating the nation as a diversified economic power with broad opportunities.
The initiative reflects both nations' interest in deepening their historic trade relations. The event's agenda included B2B business meetings. Additional agreements were also reached between AICEP and organizations such as Cavenpor and CavenportVE.
