Space as the central theme of the
Portugal-Luxembourg Economic Forum

Digital Economy, Sustainable Construction, Space and Tourism: these were the themes that set the tone of the Portugal-Luxembourg Economic Forum, which took place on May 12 in Lisbon. The event, organized by the Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Economy of Luxembourg, was part of the official mission of Luxembourg to Portugal between May 10 and 13.

Space cooperation between the two countries was one of the central topics of the forum, held at the Ritz Four Seasons Hotel. Although the collaboration between the two countries in this scope had been established previously, with the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Luxembourgian Minister of Economy, Franz Fayot, and the then Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, Manuel Heitor, the Economic Forum served to strengthen this bond further.

This Memorandum of Understanding laid the groundwork for cooperation between the two space ecosystems at the scientific, technological, and industrial levels on several fronts – from telecommunications to space exploration, from Earth and Atlantic observation to space entrepreneurship.

The Economic Forum allowed the speakers to address new areas where Space can play a crucial role in the future, and which can be the cooperation field between companies and academia from both countries. This is the case of Carbon Mapping, Cybersecurity in Space and, once again, entrepreneurship.

The Portuguese Space Agency – Portugal Space participated in one of the three seminars of the Economic Forum, being represented by its Industrial Relations and Projects Officer. Joan Alabart presented the work developed by the Portuguese Space Agency over the last three years, also highlighting in his speech the opportunities that now exist for the two countries in Space.

“This Economic Forum takes place when, given the unstable times the world is going through, it is necessary to strengthen international cooperation in various aspects and discuss how synergies can be created. And Space should be part of these conversations because it presents several opportunities for growth and development,” Joan Alabart points out.

During this official mission to Portugal, the Luxembourgian representatives had the opportunity to visit the facilities of Lusospace and the Institute of Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion (IPFN), two examples of entrepreneurship and success in the Portuguese space ecosystem.