Culture has a “structural” role in the integration of migrant people, argues the Secretary of State for Culture, Alberto Santos. When representing the Government of Portugal at the presentation of the “Aproxima Brasil-Portugal” award, promoted by the Luso-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, Alberto Santos highlighted some of the pillars that reward the integration policy, culture being one of them.
“Portugal values those who arrive to build a life with rules, with responsibility and with a desire to contribute. And it is up to us, the Government, to guarantee clear rules, administrative capacity, demanding integration, in a firm fight against labor exploitation and networks that live off the fragility of those who arrive. And it is precisely here, at this point, that culture has a structural role”, he said. The event took place in Vila Nova de Gaia, at a dinner titled Luso-Minas, that is, with dishes that mix Portuguese cuisine and cuisine from the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.
Recalling that the Brazilian community is the largest in the country, with more than half a million people, not counting those with dual nationality, reiterated that the countries are united by historical ties, in addition to music and literature. In fact, Alberto Santos will soon release a new novel set in Brazil. In his speech, he also highlighted that, behind the numbers, there are people. “We are talking about people. We are talking about concrete lives, who chose this country for their life project. For work, study, entrepreneurship, investment, paying their taxes, participating in the economic life and cultural pulse of our country”he reiterated.
Finally, he stated that relations between countries need to go further, with “exchange of music, literature, authors”, reaffirming culture as important not only for integration, but also for the economy. Otacílio Soares Filho, president of the chamber of commerce, celebrated the good moment in the relationship between the two countries, especially in the economy. “The relationship between Portugal and Brazil is going through an extraordinary moment, with enormous potential for growth in the coming years. These award winners demonstrate that, with vision, trust and collaboration, the two countries become stronger together. We celebrate not only the work already accomplished, but the future we are building – a future of opportunities, greater integration and an increasingly strategic connection between economies, institutions and communities”, he said.
She was chosen as “personality of the year” Carlos Mota Santos, from Mota Engil, for his central role in the company’s international affirmation and in the consolidation of the Portuguese business presence in Brazil. Another honoree was Luís Rodrigues, CEO of TAP, in the “Aviation, Mobility and Strategic Connectivity” category, for the airline’s essential role as the main link between Portugal and Brazil. The distinction was received on his behalf by Commander José Viana, since the CEO of TAP is at BTL. In fact, this year TAP will launch two new direct routes to Brazil-São Luís, capital of the state of Maranhão and Curitiba, capital of Paraná, in the south of the country.
The year is also marked by new Portuguese investments in Brazil. Vista Alegre, for example, will soon open a new store in the city of São Paulo. The layout will be new and the store will be located in the heart of Oscar Freire, one of the city’s most upscale areas. Fernando Daniel Nunes was another winner this year.
In the 2024 edition, among the laureates were Jorge de Melo, from Sovena, Paula Amorim, from Galp, Luís Faro Ramos, the former Ambassador of Portugal to Brazil & Raimundo Carreiro, Ambassador of Brazil to Portugal and Marco Stefanini, Grupo Stefanini, as well as Francisco Gomes Neto, OGMA Grupo Embraer. The objective of the award is to distinguish personalities whose work has been decisive in strengthening relations between Portugal and Brazil, at the economic, cultural, institutional and academic levels..
List of personalities honored in this edition of the Aproxima Brasil Portugal 2025 award
– Personality of the year: Carlos Mota Santos, from Mota‑Engil;
– Institutional Integration and Investment Promotion, Jorge Viana, president of ApexBrasil;
– Culture, Education and Academic Cooperation, António Feijó, president of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation;
– Commerce, Services and Regional Economic Development, Nadim Donato, president of Fecomércio Minas Gerais;
– Aviation, Mobility and Strategic Connectivity, Luís Rodrigues, CEO of TAP;
– International Promotion – Carlos Abade, from Turismo de Portugal;
– Industry, Design and Internationalization Marca Portugal, Fernando Daniel Nunes, from Vista Alegre;
– Urban Development and Local Diplomacy, Catarina Santos Cunha is honored;
– Entrepreneurship, Marco Lessa, founder of Origem Week
– Social Communication, Amanda Lima, from DN/DN Brasil.
amanda.lima@dn.pt
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