The Exporters Club proposes 10 key points to safeguard Spain's economic security in the face of an uncertain global scenario

 

In an international context marked by the complexity of armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and a growing strategic rivalry between powers, the Club de Exportadores e Inversores has presented a benchmark study so that España defend their economic interests more effectively. The event, held in the Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación, underlines the need to adapt foreign policy to a new global paradigm.

 

The minister José Manuel Albares During the presentation, he emphasized the importance of a coordinated response.In a more complex, competitive, and uncertain world, the best response you can give España It is a coherent, ambitious, and shared action. An external action that combines the strength of diplomacy with the capacity of our companies and the involvement of our society."I affirm.

 

A new paradigm for economic diplomacy: from promotion to security

 

The document, titled "The Role of Economic Diplomacy in Current Times"He identified a dual mission for foreign policy. As he explained Antonio Bonet, Chairman of the Club de Exportadores, "In addition to promoting exports and investments, economic diplomacy now has a second mission: to safeguard national economic security in the face of disruptions in supply chains, loss of control over strategic sectors or acts of economic coercion by third countries, among other threats".

 

The study, supported by the Secretaría de Estado de Asuntos Exteriores y Globales and prepared by Enrique Fanjul, managing partner of Iberglobal and member of the Committee for Reflection on Internationalization of Club de Exportadores e Inversores EspañolesIt articulates its analysis in ten concrete recommendations, with embassies as the central focus of the strategy.

 

The ten key recommendations for foreign policy

 

The proposals range from improving institutional coordination to strengthening human resources and economic intelligence. Special emphasis is placed on public-private partnerships to ensure that the instruments of economic diplomacy are aligned with the real needs of Spanish businesses.

 

Scope of Action	Specific Recommendation
Institutional Coordination	Greater coordination between exporters, public institutions and partners of the UE.
Complementary Coordination	Integrating actors such as Instituto Cervantes, Marca España, Fundación Carolina or Ceseden.
Strategic planning	Develop multi-year strategic plans for economic foreign action.
Economic Intelligence	Strengthen intelligence systems to anticipate risks and opportunities.
Foreign Service Resources	Increase resources, especially in the processing of business visas.
Public-Private Collaboration	Strengthen communication to align tools with business needs.
Development Cooperation	Integrate economic diplomacy with cooperation policy, incorporating the technical capacity of companies.
Professional Diaspora	Leverage the network of Spanish professionals abroad as a strategic asset.
Communication and Pedagogy	Make an effort to communicate to society the value of economic foreign action.

 

Antonio Bonet He stressed the need to improve the resources allocated to the Foreign Service, a critical point for the operations of companies.It is essential to strengthen human resources in embassies and the foreign service, particularly in areas such as the processing of business visas, which has a direct impact on the operations of our companies abroad.“,” he emphasized. He also advocated for mobilizing Spanish talent abroad, stating thatEspaña It must make better use of the asset represented by its professional diaspora abroad, facilitating its connection with Spanish institutions and companies.".

 

Finally, the Club de Exportadores It calls on society to change its perception of foreign policy, which is often seen as «an elitist activity far removed from their real interests«, calling for a communication effort to demonstrate its positive impact on the national economy.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the new Spanish Economic Diplomacy

 

How do these recommendations affect my exporting company?

Directly. A strengthening of economic diplomacy, such as the one proposed, would translate into a greater speed in granting business visas, better access to market intelligence to anticipate opportunities and a network of embassies more aligned with solving trade problems and barriers to entry in third countries.

 

Why is there talk now of "economic security" and not just exports?

The global landscape has changed. The pandemic, conflicts, and geopolitical tensions have demonstrated the vulnerability of supply chainsEconomic security refers to a country's ability to protect itself from these disruptions, avoid dependence on strategic sectors, and defend itself against economic coercion, becoming a priority on par with trade promotion.

 

What is the role of the European Union in this new strategy?

It is fundamental. Trade policy is the exclusive competence of the UETherefore, coordination with Bruselas And the other Member States are crucial. A national economic diplomacy strategy must be aligned with European guidelines and tools to be effective, especially in trade negotiations and in responding to unfair practices by third countries.