CS Portugal Signs MoUs with 5 Leading Portuguese Business Associations
On May 21, 2009 Commercial Attache, Dillon Banerjee and U.S. Ambassador Thomas Stephenson presided over a signing ceremony at the Embassy between the U.S. Commercial Service (CS) and five leading Portuguese business associations. Through this MOU program, CS Portugal has created a framework for formalized cooperation and information sharing with the associations in support of its various trade promotion programs.
The partnership increases efficiencies by creating structure and accountability on both sides. CS Portugal offers to open its network of domestic and local contacts, resources and events to the associations.
The associations agree to leverage their network of local contacts, members, and events of interest to our clients and programs.
Participating associations include: ACL-CCIP - the Commercial Association of Lisbon; APAVT - the Portuguese Association of Travel Agencies; ASSOFT Portuguese Software Association; COGEN - the Association for Energy Efficiency and Cogeneration; and SPES - the Portuguese Society for Solar Energy.
The Acting Director General for the Commercial Service, Rochelle Lipsitz, is also a signatory to the MOUs, which take effect immediately.
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Associação Portuguesa de Software (ASSOFT) ASSOFT, a not-for-profit organization formed in 1991, provides support to all its members, from the software, hardware and information technologies industries in Portugal, on issues related to copyright and author’s rights and protection; offers legal support for technology licensing and usage contracts; acts as mediator in conflicts between software providers and end users; cooperates with manufacturers, distributors and software agents to organize seminars and events on IPR protection and piracy issues; and creates and distributes documentation and information to companies regarding the legal use of software. |
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COGEN Portugal - Associação Portuguesa para a Eficiência Energética e Promoção da Cogeração COGEN is the Portuguese Association for the promotion of cogeneration, a non-profit entity. Its objective is to promote rational use of energy through decentralized energy production, namely combined heat and power systems. Its main activity is lobbying for a legal, economical and technical framework which promotes cogeneration. At the same time, it defends the interests of its members invested in this activity and supports the development of potential new projects in cogeneration. |
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Sociedade Portuguesa de Energia Solar (SPES) SPES is a non-profit association which aims to promote the use of solar energy, as well as other renewable energy sources, in Portugal. In order to achieve that, SPES develops activities intended to contribute to technological improvement, research and development, the elaboration of studies, and promotional activities in the field of renewable energy sources. |
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Associação Portuguesa das Agências de Viagem e Turismo (APAVT) APAVT is the oldest and only association of its kind in Portugal, and is the most representative of the national tourism industry. It is comprised of 1150 full associates, which are national travel agencies (498 headquarters and 652 branches). There are also 238 affiliated associates, which are other companies related to the tourism sector such as airlines, hotels, restaurants, rent-a-car businesses, tourism official entities, camping sites and road transportation companies, international travel agencies, and others. APAVT was founded in May 30, 1950 by a group of travel agents who considered that, as an association, it would be more effective in defending the rights and interests of the sector. Over the past fifty years, the Association has played a fundamental role in the development of national tourism, promoting debates among its associates, presenting proposals at all levels, anticipating market changes and preparing the sector for forthcoming challenges. |
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Associação Comercial de Lisboa (ACL) Founded in 1834, ACL–CCIP is an independent and non-profit association that promotes the interest of its members and supports the economic interests and development of Portuguese companies. As a Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Association performs various activities and functions in support of member companies to increase their businesses, including: promotion and organization of trade missions; support and advice for new businesses; information on foreign markets; market studies and surveys; presentation of business opportunities; organization of conferences and business luncheons; economic, juridical and taxation information and advice; training in several areas of management; issuance of Certificates of Origin and ATA Carnets; certification of photocopies and recognition of signatures. Abiding the new legislation on voluntary arbitration, ACL-CCIP also has a Centre for Commercial Arbitration capable of settling commercial disputes. |
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