Concerning our specific aims, we:

• Ensure, as a social partner, the representation of the sector (commerce and services) in national and international entities/bodies;

• Give opinion and take position on legal proposals relevant to the sector;

• Organise and develop services to the associations and enterprises of the sector (studies, consultancy services to foster and support entrepreneurship, vocational training plans…);

• Co-ordinate the national training in the sector, in connection with the associations, namely through integrated vocational training plans, a vocational training centre – CECOA- and the Commerce School of Lisbon.

As social partner, we are represented in several entities, including:

• The Economic and Social Council (CES);

• The Permanent Commission for Social Bargaining (CPCS);

• The Board of Administration of the Portuguese Public Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP);

• Several working groups related to Employment, including an Observatory;

• Several commissions related to Vocational Training, Education, Certification, etc.

At international level, we:

• Are a member of EUROCOMMERCE (European Association representing the interests of commerce close to the European Union institutions);

• Are a member of EURO-MED TDS (Association "Euro-Mediterranean Trade, Distribution and Services Initiative");

• Follow the legislative process of the European Union, specially in the relevant areas for the sector, and participate in Advisory Committees of the European Commission;

• Are represented in the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Dublin) and in the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (Bilbao) Governing Bodies;

• Participate in the annual international conference of the International Labour Organisation;

• Participate in transnational Vocational Training projects and in other kinds of projects with interest to the development of our activity.