The 3rd Supply Chain Iberia Conference consolidates the Spain-Portugal axis as a strategic hub for European logistics

 

The 3rd Supply Chain Iberia Conference highlighted the need for Iberian logistics to evolve rapidly to cope with an increasingly uncertain global environment. Discussions focused on how companies must improve their operational agility and strengthen the responsiveness of their supply chains to market volatility.

 

Digitalization emerged as a fundamental pillar for this change. Leading companies such as Arvato, Generix, and CHEP contributed their expertise, highlighting the importance of having "advanced technological infrastructures, efficient pooling solutions, and integrated platforms capable of improving traceability and operational performance ." Their presentations underscored how innovation, automation, and flow optimization are essential for connected, data-driven logistics.

 

Another central theme of the day was sustainability , driven by both new European regulations and increasing pressure from markets and consumers. The transition to greener supply chains was a recurring topic in the roundtables and presentations.

 

The potential of an integrated logistics bloc

 

One of the most important points of the conference was the analysis of Iberian logistics integration . Experts agreed that Spain and Portugal have a historic opportunity to position themselves as a more competitive logistics bloc on the European stage.

 

To achieve this objective, emphasis was placed on the need to advance greater harmonization of transport , better infrastructure coordination , and a shared vision for strategic corridors. The need to promote intermodality , as well as to improve technological interoperability and reduce operational frictions in cross-border flows, was a recurring theme among the participants.

 

The event, which opened with remarks by Francisco Aranda , president of UNO, and featured a keynote address by Ramón García , director general of CEL, was characterized by its multidisciplinary approach. Topics of great current interest were addressed, such as the transformation of road transport, new collaboration models, the evolution of cold chain logistics , and the crucial role of advanced analytics in strategic decision-making. Two roundtables, moderated by María Salcedo and Pedro Alcubilla, focused specifically on integration between the two countries.

 

The conference concluded with a clear message: "Iberian logistics is at a turning point, and only through a shared vision can it fully realize its strategic potential in Europe ." The organization is committed to continuing to create these spaces for dialogue and networking to strengthen regional cooperation, which it considers key to improving the competitiveness of the Iberian Peninsula within the continental context.