NRP Portugal

MeasureDescriptionCurrentstatus: inpreparation/ in progressExpected results until2010NotesBusinessempowermentThe objective of this programme is to stimulate business empowerment actions and consists of a trainingprogramme on how to approach international markets, with the objective of overcoming SME weaknesses intrade and international business management.In progressTo transfer practical and strategicinformation to companies, about waysof entering and operating in overseasmarkets, facilitating internationalbusiness success. Targets are SMEswith their own products and services,which are seeking to initiateinternational strategies, marketdiversification or sales consolidation ininternational markets. The objectivesare to implement 40 actions in 2008, 42in 2009 and 45 in 2010, and it is alsoexpected that the number of companiesinvolved in these initiatives will growto 800 in the current year, 1050 in 2009and 1350 in 2010.MarketPortugalPlaceCreation of a technological platform for showcasing Portuguese bids from SMEs with the objective ofproviding them with improved visibility and to provide a support tool for implementing commercialoperations in international markets.In preparationTechnological platform for SMEs withthe objective of increasing their degreeof recognition and facilitating businessactivities with international customers.The objectives for the coming years are250 companies in 2008, 400 in 2009and 550 in 2010.InoVasco da GamaThis programme aims to provide overseas training sessions, targeted at young businessmen and technical stafffrom Portuguese companies who are taking part in or who are seeking to finalise an internationalisationstrategy for their company, or for a company with which they are connected.In preparationAnnual implementation of 150 trainingperiodsPre-subscription to theprogramme was started inFebruary 2008, bycompletion of an onlineapplication form on thewww.networkcontacto.com website.Internationalresources networkThe objective of this measure is to develop and encourage an International Network which brings togetherPortuguese scattered around the world with a view to increasing the internationalisation of the Portugueseeconomy as well as increasing the reputation of Portugal, so contributing to an improved perception of ourcountry overseas.Programme INOFIN – To facilitate access to financing for entrepreneurs and SMEsIn preparationThe International Resource Networkshould have around 1,000 users in2008, 1,500 in 2009 and 2,000 in 2010.17