Portuguese firm CCA chooses Shanghai over Europe or Africa for new office

The five-partner firm launched the office on 19 September, and shares office space and resources with Belgian firm De Wolf & Partners and Swiss firm Bonnard Lawson International.

According to founding partner Carlos Cruz, the firm opened in Shanghai because it was keen to become international but wanted to avoid saturated markets in Europe and unwelcoming ones in Africa.

“The natural development for us would have been Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa, but they’re more fearful of competition there,” said Cruz. “China, on the other hand, has interesting prospects.

“The purpose of our office there is to assist ­Portuguese businesses in China and help Chinese businesses in Portugal, and also to make it ­possible for Chinese businesses to invest in Africa and Brazil.”

For more on Portuguese firms in Africa, click here.