Internationalization

Matosinhos embraces innovation and sustainability, reflected in its international partnerships and projects. With deep-rooted connections to the sea and cuisine, the city positions itself as a global platform for cooperation and knowledge exchange, with gastronomy as one of the pillars of its cultural identity.

Matosinhos has strengthened regional ties with Galicia by engaging in the project “O Mar que nos Une” with Vilagarcía de Arousa, promoting the blue economy, gastronomy, and the Camino de Santiago. Additionally, in 2024, the city signed a collaboration agreement with the Province of A Coruña and participated in Madrid Fusión 2025 with three showcookings featuring products from Matosinhos, led by Chef Hélio Loureiro.

Matosinhos actively collaborates in networks such as RETE – Association for Collaboration between Ports and Cities, and the Association of the Atlantic Axis of the Northwestern Iberian Peninsula, reinforcing its role in global gastronomy.

The city participated in the EU4OCEANS Summer Course in 2023, an international forum on coastal cities, ocean-based food, and scientific communication.

The Capacitation Building Academy includes an international study program, allowing visits to other countries to learn best practices in integrating disadvantaged communities. This global engagement also included a study trip where Matosinhos welcomed a group of gastronomy experts from Bergen, Norway.

In 2024 Matosinhos visited Funchal, the mentor city of Food Trails, where, together with the city of Lambeth, they got to know the Local Living Lab and benefit from co-operation and information exchange. The Municipality of Matosinhos was also present at the Final Conference of the Food Trails project, held in Brussels, at the invitation of Eurocities, an important European network that brings together cities committed to sustainable and inclusive development. This invitation reinforces the international recognition of Matosinhos' work in the areas of gastronomy, catering, food sustainability and innovation in the sector. Food Trails is a project funded by the European Union through the Horizon 2020 programme, which aims to translate the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact’s collective commitment to develop and implement innovative food strategies in various European cities, promoting a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable food system. Matosinhos' presence at this event demonstrates the municipality's commitment to sustainability, aligning itself with the global goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Matosinhos also maintains strong ties to literature and design through events such as the Literature in Travel Festival (LeV) and the internationally recognized Casa da Arquitectura, which has established partnerships with Brazilian institutions, promoting local design and architecture. The city also co-organizes major events such as Open House Porto and the Porto Design Biennale, which attract internationally renowned figures and place Matosinhos at the center of cultural and gastronomic tourism.

By integrating into international networks and fostering innovation in its gastronomic culture, Matosinhos strengthens its position as a Creative City. This commitment reflects its vision of an inclusive and sustainable economy, anchored in its culinary heritage and unique relationship with the sea. Matosinhos is a city that, while constantly pursuing innovation, keeps its gastronomic traditions alive and relevant in a globalized era.