The Regional Internationalization Council celebrates a successful first year and advances in the creation of a unified brand

 

Since its creation in July 2024, the Regional Council for Internationalization has consolidated its role as a coordinating body between the main players in the Canary Islands' internationalization ecosystem. This body brings together island councils, ICEX, Casa África, the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC), chambers of commerce, business confederations, port authorities and the archipelago's two free trade zones.

 

At the second session of the Council, the clusters and sectoral associations They assumed a central role, being recognized as the main drivers of the Canary Islands internationalization strategyAt that meeting, the need for a close and coordinated collaboration between all entities to align their action plans and project a shared image of the Canary Islands in foreign markets, thus strengthening their brand internationally.

 

The third session of the Council, held recently, focused on the creation of this strategic brand, conceived as a key project for the future of the Canary Islands' internationalization. All members of the Council actively participated in the design process, with the aim of forging an identity that symbolizes the Canary Islands as a territory of cross-cutting business opportunities, covering all sectors, islands and destination markets.

 

A total of 29 proposals were received through an open call launched by DICA. After careful analysis and deliberation, one proposal was selected and is currently in the validation phase. Its public presentation and progressive implementation will take place once it meets the criteria established by the members involved.

 

The body is made up of all the actors involved in promoting exports and attracting investment to the Canary Islands.

 

This initiative represents one of the first significant milestones achieved by the Regional Internationalization Council, and exemplifies the effective cooperation between institutions, public and private entities committed to the global positioning of the Canary Islands.

 

Alfonso Cabello, Deputy Minister of the Presidency and President of Proexca, highlighted the importance of this advance: “A brand that was created to show that the Canary Islands are not only a place to visit, but also a place to undertake, invest and generate value. That accompanies our companies on their journey to new markets and, at the same time, showcases everything the islands have to offer to those who want to develop their projects here.”

 

For its part, Gustavo González de Vega, Deputy Minister of Economy and Internationalization of the Government of the Canary Islands and Vice President of Proexca, gave a positive assessment of the Council's first year: "We have confirmed the need for real coordination among the stakeholders involved. Today, a year later, we can present very positive results that reflect the joint work of public and private institutions on a common internationalization strategy. All stakeholders are aligned and pulling in the same direction."

 

During the session, Luis Padron, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Gran Canaria, stressed the importance of continuing to advance in a joint strategy that promotes the diversification of the Canarian economy, promoting both exports and attracting investment. He explained that "If there is an open economy, it is the Canary Islands, where our foreign relations are of great importance. That is why our Chamber aims for a global dialogue." In this sense, he mentioned the organization of the General Assembly of the Ibero-American Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Services (AICO) in Gran Canaria, which will bring together business representatives and chambers of commerce from 23 Latin American countries. Padrón stated that "It will be an unbeatable opportunity to project the Canary Islands as a strategic business center.", capable of attracting business initiatives that contribute to the region's economic development. Furthermore, this event will highlight the unique geostrategic position of “The Canary Islands as a link between Europe, Africa and America.”

 

Likewise, the president of the Chamber of Commerce of Gran Canaria recalled that the institution holds the presidency and headquarters of AFRICO – the Association of Ibero-African Chambers of Commerce, consolidating the role of islands in building commercial and economic bridges between continents.

 

With this meeting, the Regional Internationalization Council reaffirms its commitment to institutional collaboration as a fundamental pillar for strengthening the Canary Islands' position in the global market and attracting opportunities that contribute to the islands' well-being and economic development.