The idea of creating a Chamber of Commerce arose from the strengthening of economic ties between the current 98 countries, of which Portugal is also a part. The CCILF is a member of the network of French Chambers of Commerce abroad. This network comprises 125 French Chambers of Commerce in almos 100 countries. In Portugal, the CCILF was founded in 1887 by French entrepreneurs who wanted to share their market experience and business opportunities.
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In a conversation with the President of the French Chamber in Portugal for the Jornal Comunidades Lusófonas, Laurent Marionnet, from the CCILF, states that it is first and foremost a business club.
The objective of this club is to allow members to get to know each other and do business. To this end, they regularly organize networking events and business seminars (more than 60 events organized in 2025).
Another important function of the CCILF is to promote the development of business between France and Portugal, helping companies find clients and subcontractors, recruit staff, and establish themselves in the country.
They can also help Portuguese companies find sales agents in France and participate in French trade fairs.
The Chamber helps strengthen trade and diplomatic ties, although “we are a private organization, we are part of the French institutional landscape,” adds Laurent Marionnet.
As such, they cooperate with the French Embassy in Portugal and Business France to provide a better service to French companies.
The relations between France and Portugal are historic and are the result of teamwork between French and Portuguese institutions. The CCILF naturally integrates this team and currently has approximately 700 members, being the largest Francophone business club in Portugal.
Are they also open to Portuguese communities in France?
The CCILF acts as a bridge between our two communities. Naturally, “our members are open to business relationships with the Portuguese communities in France.” To promote these contacts, they maintain a constant link with the “Portugal Business Clubs” based in the main French cities, with which they organize informational meetings every year.
They consider Portugal an attractive economy; since the end of the economic crisis, Portugal has been an attractive destination for French companies. Portugal should not be seen as a low-cost country, but rather as a country of innovation, where there are many opportunities for partnerships. There are many opportunities for French companies, particularly in the industry, tourism, renewable energy and digital economy sectors.
The role of the CCILF is to promote business contacts to accelerate the economic development of both countries. The next events in France will be in: PARIS, April 29: Investing and setting up in Portugal/Paris/CCI France Portugal LYON, April 30: Investing and setting up in Portugal / Lyon / CCI France Portugal.
