Chemical Engineer with extensive experience in local, national and European governance, public policy, and the blue economy. He began his professional career at the Viana do Castelo Shipyards and subsequently held executive positions in public administration, notably as Mayor of Viana do Castelo, President of the Intermunicipal Community of Alto Minho, Member of the European Committee of the Regions, Secretary of State for the Sea in the XXIII Constitutional Government, and Member of the Portuguese Parliament during the 15th and 16th Legislatures. 

His professional background encompasses territorial governance, regional development, intermunicipal cooperation, international institutional relations, the blue economy, and the management of public and private-sector entities.