José Luis Bonet demands a pro-business policy to boost Spain's competitiveness

CEDE Work Breakfast

The president of the Chamber of Spain has advocated a pro-business policy with reforms that place the productive fabric at the center of economic policy.

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The Breakfast, which was presented by Juan Carlos Gallego , president of MicroBank; and moderated by Mario Armero , trustee of the CEDE Foundation, was sponsored by AGBAR and Deloitte.

 

During his speech, José Luis Bonet stressed the importance of implementing pro-business reforms and policies that place the productive sector at the center of economic policy "as a key element of our social market economy system to promote growth, transformation and job creation."

 

He also stressed the urgent need to reduce the tax burden on businesses to stimulate competitiveness, encourage investment, and promote job creation. Among the measures proposed by the president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce are reductions in social security contributions and simplification of corporate tax, as well as reductions in administrative burdens and the elimination of certain regulatory thresholds.

 

"That's the key: to support and accompany companies, which are the key piece in our social market economy system, for the creation of employment, wealth and, ultimately, social welfare," Bonet stated.

 

The president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce has identified seven fundamental challenges that the Spanish economy must address "with determination": guaranteeing stability and legal certainty , managing declining demographics, the disconnect between training and business needs, reindustrialization and reducing external dependence, fiscal consolidation, and globalization.

 

José Luis Bonet also pointed out that, despite robust economic growth exceeding that of Spain's main European partners, "there are discrepancies between macroeconomic figures and the performance of different sectors." According to the president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, the undeniable success of tourism, "as an engine of growth," for the Spanish economy masks emerging problems in sectors such as industry and among small and medium-sized enterprises.

 

Despite the existing difficulties, José Luis Bonet's message was optimistic: “We have the opportunity to take a new leap forward in progress and modernization by carrying out the reforms our country requires and making the necessary investments through the Next Generation EU funds. This must be a national objective that involves us all and in which we all participate.”

 

During his speech, José Luis Bonet also referred to the work of the chambers of commerce in promoting the transformation of Spanish companies, through internationalization and the improvement of their competitiveness - through digitalization, training and entrepreneurship - and the institutional defense of the key role of the business fabric for the well-being of society as a whole.

 

The president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce highlighted the geopolitical challenges and their impact on foreign trade, as well as the drop in demand in some key markets . However, he urged executives not to abandon their internationalization plans: “As business owners and managers, it is up to us to turn these risks into opportunities and move forward with determination. We have to go for it, prudently, yes, but without discouragement.”

 

He also addressed all the managers working abroad, who followed the session remotely, referring to them as "the best ambassadors of Spain and the heroes of our country's positioning and recognition abroad ."

 

With this event, the CEDE Foundation commemorates the twenty-seventh anniversary of its Work Breakfasts, which began on April 9, 1997, being a pioneering format in our country. Over almost three decades, the Breakfasts have established themselves as an outstanding meeting point for debate and the exchange of ideas in the business and economic field.