Paredes, inscribed in the Sousa Valley, where it assumes a capital importance, is a Municipality that has been subject to an enormous development of its extensive social and economical potential. With an excellent geo-strategic location and privileged means of access, the Municipality of Paredes has an accentuated demographic growth, presently counting about 84 thousand inhabitants.

Paredes is crossed by a great road and railroad network, with special emphasis on the A4 freeway (with access to Porto in fifteen minutes), E.N.15, 209 and 319, the railway line of Douro, and soon the IC 24 and IC 25. Going through this A4 freeway one can access the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in about 30 minutes and the Port of Leixões in 20 minutes.

The Municipality of Paredes has a territory of 157 km², owning quite enviable industrial parks like the following ones: Baltar/Parada's Business Park, Gandra's Business Park, Lordelo's Business Park, Parteira's Business Park, Serrinha's Business Park, Vandoma's Business Park, Vila Cova de Carros' Business Park, Vilela's Business Park, Vilarinho/Terronhas' Business Park and Cête's Business Park.