ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the implications of Portuguese outward internationalization experience for CEECs, especially on what concerns company behavior as well as policy design and implementation. As indicated by Simões (2000a), analysis of the Portuguese case seems to be helpful for CEECs for at least two reasons. First, it corresponds to the experience of a less developed country in joining the European Community (now European Union), and its influence on international investment flows. Second, the strong outward internationalization move by Portuguese firms, especially after 1995, is worth analyzing because firms from CEECs will increasingly face the same challenge. Although the overall figures are much influenced by a handful of very large projects, there are no doubts that a significant host of Portuguese firms has understood the need for being more active in the international arena, not only through traditional exports, but also by investing abroad.
