Internationalization is the key to growth

With a relatively small population, the most innovative companies have internationalization as their watchword.  Andr de Quiroga, the dynamic director of PGQ, said: "China and Portugal can keep benefiting each other in all areas of industrial activity."

Portugal is also making waves in the fields of technology and energy. Renewable energy in Portugal was the source of 45 percent of the country's electricity generation in 2010 - an increase of 28 percent in five years, showing considerable leadership in this field.

Iberian hub is China's bridge to the world

Enjoying 1,793 kilometers of coastline on both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and a temperate climate, the country is best-known for its superb tourism, excellent hospitality, food, wine and quality of life.

And, with the paradise islands of Madeira and the Azores, Portugal has long celebrated a niche among sun-seekers looking for a place to live or stay.

Banking and legal partnerships are thriving

Portugal's banking and finance sector gained importance in the 1990s, as the economy shifted to focus on services.

Transport paves the way to lucrative ventures

With a road network of 68,732 kilometers, of which almost 3,000 kms are part of a system of 44 freeways, one of the longest bridges in Europe - the magnificent, 17-km-long Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon - excellent ports and three international airports, Portugal has one of the most sophisticated infrastructures in southern Europe.

China's message to EU

Having completed more than half of his intensive five-day itinerary in Europe, Premier Wen Jiabao has been delivering China's decisive message that it will continue to bolster its partnership with European countries struggling with debt crises and economic recession.

Playing the matchmaker

Chinese investors, with cash in hand, and foreign franchisers, with good brands and projects, have a hard time connecting.