The logistics sector is fundamental as a base of operations that puts the different sectors of the Portuguese economy in contact with the world and opens the door to foreign investment. And if this basic principle remains unchanged, the challenges caused by global instability and digitalization may require structural changes so that the growth of business activity and exports remains above objectives.
In several areas, from health to industry, artificial intelligence (AI) appears as an inescapable element that is already changing the rules of the game, with most of the participants at the Rangel Logistics Summit – which took place today at Pátio da Galé, in Lisbon, to celebrate 45 years of the logistics company – speaking enthusiastically about this revolution while at the same time asking for greater agility from the State in bureaucracy and in facilitating solutions. “[A Rangel era] what can now be considered a startup from the 80s, at the launch of a venture in the business world”, compared the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro.
The conference, which had Expresso as media partneralso included the participation of Eduardo Rangel, chairman of Rangel Logistics Solutions; Manuel Castro Almeida, Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion; Jónio Reis, vice-president of the Residential Water Business Unit at Bosch Portugal; Luís Abrantes, CEO of Generis Farmacêutica; Frederico Lemos, chairman of the board of directors of Embraer Portugal; Rui Lopes Ferreira, CEO of Super Bock Group; André Vasconcelos, general manager of Roche Portugal; João Almeida Lopes, president of Apifarma; Vasco Antunes Pereira, CEO of Lusíadas Saúde; Ana Ferreira, general manager of STADA Portugal; Alicia Asín, CEO of Libelium; António Ramalho, president of the executive committee of LISBOA FCE (FIL); João Barroso Soares, former Minister of Culture of Portugal; Rossana Gama, general director of Boticário; Pedro Saura, president Grupo Correos; Paulo Macedo, president of Caixa Geral de Depósitos; António Portela, CEO of BIAL; Carlos Mota Santos, CEO of Mota-Engil; Marcelo Nico, CEO of Tabaqueira; Pedro Cid, CEO of Auchan; and Nuno Rangel, CEO of Rangel Logistics Solutions.
Discover the main conclusions.
The role of logistics
- “The three initial employees [da Rangel Logistics Solutions] there are now thousands spread across the world”, reflected Eduardo Rangel.
- For Manuel Castro Almeida, the sector will be essential for the “collective effort” necessary “to grow above average [europeia] in the coming years.”
- “Portugal has excellent conditions to attract and retain investment”, believes Rui Lopes Ferreira.
- “There needs to be a change of mindset of the Portuguese business environment”, asks Jónio Reis.
Digital health
- “Everything in Europe takes too long, people started to realize that”, points out João Almeida Lopes.
- This is an issue felt by those involved in the healthcare sector, who want more speed and openness to implement digital solutions that help avoid disruptions and improve care.
- “When I look at digitalization I see an opportunity and a solution to the problems we have”, explains Vasco Antunes Pereira.
- According to Ana Ferreira, “we have to work more collaboratively” to make better use of these new tools.
Global expansion
- “Logistics is an absolutely central topic in the economy of each country”, summarizes António Ramalho.
- Regarding the role of logistics in economic growth in Portugal and Spain, Pedro Saura believes that “the Iberian Peninsula is” as if it were “a single entity”.
- “We think in terms of the Iberian Peninsula”, reinforces Rossana Gama.
- Regarding the current scenario, Paulo Macedo recalls that “several partners were cut off with whom it is impossible” to do business due to conflicts and respective sanctions, which makes access to numerous materials difficult. Despite this, largely also because of digitalization, “global trade has grown”.
Portugal 2030
- “In Portugal we have invested more in products and services with low added value”, maintains António Portela.
- Pedro Cid expresses incomprehension at the fact that, as a country, “we are unable to work together.”
- “We look at this moment in the country with great hope”, said Luís Montenegro, with the certainty that “innovation and modernization are a commitment for the next 45 years”.
- The “Portugal of the future is one of bold people and bold and innovative companies”, he added, with the presence of “good human resources, science, research and innovation collaborating with economic agents”.
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