The Association of Specialized Credit Institutions (ASFAC) received in Lisbon, on September 8, a delegation from the China Automobile Dealers Association (CADA), an association representing automobile trade and financing in China that brings together approximately 18,000 members. During the meeting, the two entities discussed cooperation opportunities in automobile financing, with special focus on the new energy vehicles market.
The Chinese delegation expressed interest in learning about the Portuguese automobile market and identifying collaboration opportunities with national companies. The Chinese representatives highlighted that southern Europe has relevant experience in automobile credit and distribution channels, constituting a reference for the Chinese sector. CADA has been promoting meetings with sector entities in various European markets, including Spain, France, and Italy.
During the session, ASFAC presented the Portuguese consumer credit market, with special focus on automobile financing, as well as the new and used vehicle sales market. ASFAC members represent more than 75% of credit granted to individuals for automobile financing in Portugal. ASFAC's Director General, Duarte Gomes Pereira, considered that the size of the Chinese automobile market and its international expansion make the interest of Chinese operators in establishing partnerships with the members of the Portuguese association particularly relevant.
The Chinese delegation also expressed surprise and concern regarding the absence of concrete information on the transposition to Portugal of the new European consumer credit contracts regime, whose deadline ended in November 2025. ASFAC highlighted that the lack of a known legislative draft generates uncertainty and hinders the preparation of institutions for the new rules. Duarte Gomes Pereira stated that this uncertainty harms the predictability that institutions need to prepare their activities and evaluate new partnerships. The meeting had the collaboration of the law firm Broseta and the support of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Portugal.
