© 2026 Sebastien Grébille - Phillharmonie. All rights reserved. © 2026 Eva Krins. All rights reserved. © 2026 Contacto. All rights reserved.
The award of the Commander of the Order of Business Merit to Orlando Pinto by the President of the Portuguese Republic, António José Seguro, represents far more than the recognition of an outstanding individual achievement.
For ESCALA Business Club, this distinction is a source of great pride and inspiration for everyone who believes in hard work, perseverance and positive ambition. It is also a powerful recognition of the contribution that Portuguese entrepreneurs have made to Luxembourg’s economic development over the past decades.
Originally from Castro Daire and living in Luxembourg for nearly forty years, Orlando Pinto has built an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey. As founder of Sopinor, one of Luxembourg’s leading construction companies, he now leads a group employing more than 500 people and has played a key role in some of the country's most significant infrastructure projects, including the development of Luxembourg City's tram network.
Yet what makes this honour particularly meaningful goes beyond business success. As President António José Seguro highlighted during the ceremony, Orlando Pinto embodies entrepreneurship, leadership and generosity. His career demonstrates the impact that determination, vision and solidarity can have on a community and an entire generation of entrepreneurs.
« J’ai commencé de rien ».
His words during the ceremony resonated deeply with the audience: “I started from nothing.” A simple statement that reflects decades of hard work, resilience and belief in a better future. It is a powerful message for Portuguese-speaking entrepreneurs and professionals seeking to build their own success stories in Luxembourg and beyond.
One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony was the presence of his 93-year-old mother, who travelled from Portugal to witness the tribute to her son. The gesture of both the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister in personally greeting her reflected the values of humility, family and gratitude that have always been part of Orlando Pinto’s journey.
At ESCALA Business Club, we believe stories like this deserve to be celebrated and shared. They remind us that success is not only measured by business achievements, but also by the positive impact we create for others and the legacy we leave behind.
Orlando Pinto’s distinction honours not only his personal journey but also the entire Portuguese-speaking business community in Luxembourg. It serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through vision, determination and commitment, while inspiring future generations to aim higher and continue building bridges between Portugal and Luxembourg.
We invite all our members and readers to watch the video below and discover this remarkable moment of recognition and inspiration.
🔗 Contacto - Presidente Seguro condecorou-o como Comendador. “Sou o mesmo Orlando Pinto de sempre”
🔗 Rádio Latina - "Comecei do nada", diz Orlando Pinto depois de distinguido por António José Seguro
🔗 Instagram Presidência da República Portuguesa
