The recent Assembly held in Madrid, Spain, was a landmark event organized by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, gathering representatives from various international and territorial chambers. The event focused on fostering collaboration and enhancing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) internationalisation. The Secretary of State for Trade and the President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce emphasized the essential role of the Official Spanish Chambers of Commerce Abroad (CAMACOES) in supporting businesses’ global expansion efforts.
Event Highlights:
July 8, 2024: Day at the Secretariat of State for Trade
- Welcome and Inauguration: The event commenced with welcoming remarks from the Secretary of State for Trade and the President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, who stressed the importance of CAMACOES as fundamental instruments for business growth and internationalization.
- Geopolitical Context and Economic Security: A session led by the Director General of Trade Policy discussed the new geopolitical landscape, the significance of maintaining robust economic security, and the strategic positioning of businesses within global value chains.
- Support Instruments for Internationalization: Moderated by ICEX Spain Export and Investment, this debate involved key figures from financial institutions discussing the various tools and resources available to support companies’ international ventures.
- Role of CAMACOES and Legal Framework: A critical discussion on the application of the Royal Decree establishing the official recognition framework for CAMACOES, highlighting the support and guidance provided by the Secretariat of State for Trade.
July 9, 2024: Assembly at the Spanish Chamber of Commerce
- Introduction and Welcome: The President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, along with other prominent leaders, welcomed participants and set the stage for the day’s discussions, which included a promotional video showcasing the Chamber’s initiatives.
- Arbitration and Conflict Resolution: A detailed presentation on the role of the Spanish Court of Arbitration underscored the importance of arbitration as a mechanism for resolving commercial disputes, positioning it as a competitive advantage for businesses.
- Collaboration and Best Practices: Various sessions focused on reinforcing synergies between the territorial and international chambers, sharing best practices, and exploring new collaborative projects to drive innovation and growth.
- Artificial Intelligence in Business: A special presentation by Telefónica Tech on integrating AI and big data in business operations, demonstrating cutting-edge technological advancements and their applications in the commercial sector.
Networking Opportunities: Throughout the two days, participants engaged in networking lunches and dinners, fostering relationships and exchanging ideas in more informal settings. The event concluded with a keynote speech by a renowned researcher from the Elcano Royal Institute, discussing the competitive factors of the European Union.
Rod Noel, General Manager of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Australia, was honoured to represent Australia at this prestigious event. His participation was instrumental in highlighting the mutual benefits of international cooperation and the exchange of best practices. The insights gained from this assembly are expected to significantly enhance the global competitiveness and growth prospects of businesses associated with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Australia.
The event was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of collaboration and the vital role of the Chambers of Commerce in supporting the internationalization and competitiveness of SMEs globally. The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Australia looks forward to implementing the valuable learnings and strengthening its ties with international partners.