CEIB asserts the strategic role of private enterprise in the Europe-Latin America connection

 

On 34th International Soft Landing Meeting held in the Madrid City Council, the permanent secretary of CEIB, Narciso CasadoHe emphasized that the private sector is the real engine of economic integration between Europe y Latin Americaespecially in the current context of technological transformation.

 

The company as the axis of regional integration

 

In a conversation with Mariano MalteseCEO Soft Landing World, the representative of the CEOE y CEIB He argued that the connection between business ecosystems and the interregional cooperation They are fundamental to overcoming current geopolitical challenges. According to Casado, when analyzing the relationship between the European Union and the MercosurIt speaks of "companies that cross borders, entrepreneurs who take risks, talent that moves, and institutions that facilitate growth."

 

The Permanent Secretary recalled that business organizations act as critical spaces for dialogue to reorient public policies toward growth and investment. In this regard, he quoted the words of Rebeca Grynspan, general secretary of the UNCTAD"The integration of Ibero-America "It will be done by the private sector."

 

EU-Mercosur market potential

 

The intervention highlighted the enormous potential of the alliance between the European Union and the Mercosura market that encompasses more than 700 million peopleThe need to move forward with agreements that provide legal security and facilitate trade and investment, taking advantage of integration models such as Pacific alliance and the Central American Integration System (SICA-SIECA).

 

 

Indicator / Event	Detail / Scope
EU-Mercosur market population	More than 700 million people
CEIB Network	25 Ibero-American business organizations
III Ibero-American Tourism Forum	June 2nd and 3rd in Honduras
Ibero-American Summit	November in Madrid

 

Institutional agenda and upcoming meetings

 

Looking ahead, key milestones for the internationalization agenda were announced. Madrid will be the venue in November of the Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, framework in which the CEOE, CEIB and SEGIB will organize the Ibero-American Business MeetingThis event is consolidating its position as the main public-private action forum in the region.

 

In addition, permanent lines of work focused on the youth employability and digital transformation, such as:

 

• Ibero-American MSME Forum: Support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Connectivity and Digital Transition Forum: Boosting technological innovation.
• Ibero-American Federation of Young Entrepreneurs (FIJE): Promotion of youth entrepreneurship.

 

Finally, Narciso Casado reaffirmed the role of Spain as a natural bridge and of Madrid as a business hub A strategic approach capable of attracting global investment and talent. "Ibero-America is built from businesses, institutions, and entrepreneurs. We businesspeople don't know about borders, we know about opportunities," he concluded.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about Ibero-American economic integration

 

What role does the private sector play in the integration of Latin America?

The private sector is considered the main driver of integration, since companies are the ones that generate wealth, employment and social mobility, crossing borders and taking risks in international markets.

 

What is the importance of the European Union-Mercosur agreement?

It represents an economic area of ​​over 700 million people. Its importance lies in creating a framework of legal certainty that facilitates trade, investment, and business cooperation between both regions.

 

What key events will shape the economic agenda this year?

The III Ibero-American Tourism Forum stands out in Honduras (June) and the Ibero-American Business Meeting in Madrid (November), coinciding with the Summit of Heads of State.