Prjt-a-`Port'ugal!

LOCATED at the southern most tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal enjoys one of the best climates in Europe. With mild summers and cold, but not unpleasant winters, it is an ideal holiday spot, and now even a business destination. Like its famous epic poet, Luis Vaz de Camoes put it in The Lusiadas, 1572, `And if Spain is the head of Europe, Portugal, set as its Western extremity, where land ends and sea begins, is as it where the crown on the head.'

Once known as the `poor man of Europe,' the changes sweeping across the European Union have also begun to influence Portugal in a big way and the country is gradually inching its way to advancement. Escudo was till recently Portugal's currency. However, now that it is part of the European union, Euro will be widely used.

By understanding some of the intricacies of Portuguese business culture and style of communication, you can make business dealings more enriching.

Like their other European counterparts, the Portuguese begin their business at 9.00 am in the morning and conclude by around 5.00 pm, with a short break in-between from 1.00-3.00 pm. The banks however have slightly unusual timings, from 8.45 - 11.45 am in the morning and function again for a short while from 1.00- 2.45 pm in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. However, banks at airports are open 24 hours. Language should not be a problem, as most Portuguese speak fluent British English.

During business introductions, it is customary to shake hands and exchange business cards. It is however wise to have one side of your card printed in Portuguese. And while you offer the card, remember to offer the Portuguese side up. Married women are usually addressed as `Senhora,' and the men as `Senhor.' Unmarried women are addressed as `Dona.' Like anywhere else, use any titles that people may have, such as doctor or professor to address them.

The colour red is for danger, literally so in Portugal, so don't use it as official ink! Also as in most business settings, dress conservatively for business meets. Business lunches are common in Portugal. So put your best foot forward, follow some basic guidelines in Portuguese dining etiquette. Remember not to rest your arms on the table during meals, place your hands in your lap. Don't be surprised if you're served wine along with your meal, it's a popular custom to have alcohol with food. Restrict topics of conversation to family and culture. Avoid sounding too inquisitive about your business counterpart's personal affairs. The Portuguese just don't share such information readily. Some of the popular unwinding places are the teahouses, especially after a hard day's work. `Chilling-out' at one of these places and building rapport with your Portuguese customer or business partner may not be such a bad idea.

Business negotiations often take a long time. The Portuguese are tradition bound and hierarchical. So, squash any hopes of snap deals. To ensure that business takes place smoothly, work on building trust and rapport before proceeding with any business dealings.

Business and pleasure

Staying in Portugal should not be much of a problem. Finding accommodation should be easy as you have a variety of options open before you. From star hotels like the Four Seasons in Lisbon, Braga in Costa Verde, and cottages to spacious apartments and camping parks, you've got a host of alternatives to choose from. You also don't need to worry about payments if you own credit cards such as the Diner's club, Visa, Eurocard, Access, American Express and Mastercard. Finally, don't forget to mix business with pleasure! With a rich sea faring past, Portugal is the typical holiday country with tree-lined boulevards, olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields. Also famous for its cool beaches and a temperate clime, the wettest regions in Portugal are in the extreme north and the country's central mountainous area, the Serra De Estrela. February is usually the best month to spend skiing up in the mountains, though the skiing season is from January to March.

Portuguese festive occasions like the Festa De Sao Joao are very colourful, when people take to the streets, dancing and amicably pelting each other with leeks. So soak in all the rich cultural heritage and enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the country even as you strike business deals.

SAMYUKTA KODA

samyukta.hyd@cxknetworks.com