Overview of Industries, Trade and Commerce of Portugal

 Industry in Portugal: - Industries (including construction, energy, water) employ about one-third of the labor force and the contribution to the national economy has grown significantly in recent decades. It accounts for 29% of GDP in 2001. Industrial production in 2001 increased by 6% compared to 2000. The Portuguese industry is mainly light industries, the development of heavy industry has been hindered by power shortage. Textiles, especially cotton and wool are the oldest and most important manufacturers in Portugal.

Portugal began paying attention to eastern trade in 1508, monopolizing the oriental spice trade for most of the 16th century. Their maritime routes around Cape have made trade more efficient and this emphasis on travel has eventually gained so many territories that led to achieving such success. Portugal admits that their merchants represent government solutions and territories wherever they wish. Slave trade took Portuguese to the west coast of Africa where they made colonies in Guinea and Angola. They also wanted to make villages on the east coast near the Zambezi River (modern Mozambique) and collect gold from the area. Portuguese widely harvested Brazilian red wine for dyes from Brazil and their demand of resources ultimately led them to acquire the region completely. People gradually moved away from the coast and got more land in the middle of the country.

The Portuguese colonial empire was the first empire built by the major powers of Europe. It began in the 15th century when the King of Portugal sought a trade route with the East Indies. It brings richness and a century impact to small European countries such as the Atlantic coast of Portugal, Atlantic to Brazil, and North Africa's trade center, West Coast of Africa, Cape of Good Hope, Mozambique, India, Melaka, and China. Portugal is one of the first concentrated countries in Europe and has established a border since the 13th century. It is located on the far end Iberian Peninsula in the southwestern part of Europe and is a place to gather to wander tribes and intruders across the continent. All Romans, Visigoths and Celts entered Portugal and joined indigenous peoples. The Romans established the Lusitania region in 140 BC