The expansion of Chinese electric vehicle brands in Europe may allow for the establishment of a BYD factory in Portugal in the near future.
The idea was put forward by the Chinese ambassador to Portugal, Zhao Bentang, in an interview with “CNN Portugal”, during the conference “The Car of the Future”, organized by CNN Portugal Summit and Stanvirtual, where he made it clear that companies like BYD are considering “investing in Portugal”.
According to Zhao Bentang, China wants more than just to sell electric vehicles to the West. “In the beginning, China attracted investment from Europe to successfully develop the automotive industry. Now, China also wants to collaborate with Europe, not just to sell, but to learn, to achieve mutual, reciprocal benefits”, stated the diplomat, who also mentioned that the goal is to invest and cooperate with the European market.
To realize the interest of Chinese manufacturers like BYD in establishing factories in Portugal, the diplomat conveyed the message that support is necessary. “We hope that European governments, and the Portuguese government, can treat Chinese companies fairly and without discrimination, because the companies come only to open markets, to win alongside European companies.”
