Teresa Teixeira Mota signs an opinion article in Jornal de Negócios, reflecting on Portugal’s growing role in the global digital economy and emphasising the decisive role of a competitive tax framework in attracting foreign investment.
‘Data centres are the backbone of the digital economy. Their installation demands significant capital, a stable energy supply and skilled labour – but also predictability and tax competitiveness, without which it is difficult for any country to succeed in this race,’ she explains.
In her article, Teresa Teixeira Mota points to Portugal’s unique geographical location, connected globally through submarine cables linking Europe to the Americas, Africa and Asia. Strong infrastructure and a growing commitment to renewable energy further reinforce this positioning.
What truly sets Portugal apart, however, is its tax environment:
‘Tax policies designed to encourage investment in innovation and technology have been key to attracting both foreign and domestic capital to Portugal,’ she notes.
Teresa Teixeira Mota highlights specific measures such as the RFAI, SIFIDE, Patent Box and IFICI, which reduce costs and foster reinvestment in digital and technological solutions. The Madeira Free Trade Zone is also highlighted as a strategic instrument, offering EU-recognised advantages to companies operating there.
The article concludes that a combination of attractive taxation, controlled energy costs, skilled talent and political stability places Portugal well on the radar of major international operators. At the same time, Teresa Teixeira Mota stresses the importance of ensuring that tax competitiveness goes hand in hand with environmental sustainability and the national interest.
‘Portugal’s ambition to become a European hub for data centres and a magnet for innovation is within reach. The challenge lies in ensuring that tax and energy policies continue to work in tandem, turning this opportunity into lasting value for the Portuguese economy,’ she concludes.
- This article is available here.
