Government plans to establish a unified business hub for corporations and undertakes a review of city building permit regulations

In a recent development, Portugal's Minister of Economy and Climate Action, Robert Habeck, announced the establishment of a "single window for businesses" as part of the government's ongoing state reform initiative. This move aims to simplify operations for businesses across the country.

The reform process, led by Deputy Minister and State Reform, Gonçalo Matias, is not a hasty endeavour. Recognising the complexity of reversing decades of bureaucracy, Matias emphasised that the process will take time.

One of the key measures taken by the new Ministry is the creation of the CTO (State Systems Director) position. This move is intended to streamline state systems and operations.

In addition to this, urbanistic licenses are scheduled for review "very soon." The review is expected to bring about improvements in urban planning and development.

The reform also includes a shift from licenses to prior communications in many cases. This change is intended to reduce red tape and expedite the approval process.

Notably, the "single window for businesses" should not be confused with the existing window for entrepreneurs.

Matias, who was one of the most applauded speakers at the PSD's Summer University, provided numbers to illustrate the impact of bureaucracy in the area. He admitted the challenge of retaining a generation with qualifications above the European average and very low salaries in Portugal.

The PSD's Summer University is an initiative to train young cadres, taking place in Castelo de Vide, Portugal. Matias was a guest at the event.

The reform is based on the principle of trust, according to the minister. When deadlines are exceeded in the reform process, there will be the principle of tacit approval. This means that if no objections are raised, the reform will proceed.

The reform will not involve any public administration layoff program, the minister confirmed. Instead, the focus is on creating a more efficient and effective system for all.

The Government intends to review industrial, environmental, and urbanistic licenses as part of the state reform. This review is expected to bring about improvements in these areas, contributing to a more streamlined and efficient Portugal.

Government plans to establish a unified business hub for corporations and undertakes a review of city building permit regulations