The Portuguese Business Association (AEP), previously known as the Porto Industrial Association, was founded in May 1849, with the aim of “developing and perfecting the industry – to instruct and educate the working classes – introduce amongst us mutual aid and improvement of conditions for workers – and all the legal advantages that the industry may derive from such a gathering”. 

The Association began its activities immediately, launching the first issue of a publication dedicated to industrial and technological information, the “O Jornal da Associação Industrial Portuense” [Porto Industrial Association Newspaper], followed by the inauguration, two months later, of the first Portuguese vocational education school, the “Industrial School of Porto”, which pioneered technical official teaching that had been instituted by the Government at the end of that same year. 
 
In these early stages, the organisation also dedicated itself to other large endeavours that remained deeply connected to the history of Porto as a city, and to the Portuguese industry. This was the case, for instance, with the crucial role played by the association in the development of the mutual aid ideal, in the establishment of some banking institutions and the launching of fairs and industrial exhibitions.
 
The Caixa de Socorros Mútuos [Mutual Aid Bank], later called the Caixa de Crédito Portuense, was founded in 1854. In the field of financial activity, AEP supported the creation of the Banco Aliança and a mortgage bank. 

In its first phase, AEP also played a very important role in the organisation of industrial fairs. In 1856, the first permanent exhibition was inaugurated in the headquarters of AEP. These first events were excellent tests for the great exhibition that opened in 1861, in the Bolsa Palace, with the presence of King D. Pedro V. 

Over these 170 years, the association has always been guided by the priorities laid out in its original charter: defending the interests of Portuguese industry, providing economic and technological information, vocational training and promotion of Portuguese products and services. 

Today, AEP is the largest business association in Portugal, and has obtained the status of Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It has plenty of work to show for it in terms of supporting Portuguese business activity in several sectors and in defending and promoting the interests of the business community. 
 
AEP has also been a prized partner of governments in the discussion of issues related to the development of the Portuguese economy, and has a seat on the European Economic and Social Committee. Its services towards development have been public officially recognized: it is an Honorary Member of the Order of Prince Henry and possesses the Agricultural and Industrial Merit commendation (Industrial Class).