ICEX Spain Export and Investments and the Garrigues Study Center They organized the master session "The Internationalization of Spanish Companies in Times of Uncertainty" in Madrid. The meeting brought together executives to define how the digital workplace strategy, the and logistics They allow companies to maintain their export leadership in the face of global disruptions and tariff barriers.
Uncertainty as a permanent scenario in foreign trade
The conference, held at the Garrigues Center for Studies, served to confirm a paradigm shift: instability is no longer the exception. According to the event's conclusions, the competitiveness of Spanish companies now depends on combining a long-term vision with extreme tactical flexibility and sophisticated risk management.
President Garrigues Study Center, Felix Plaza Romero, opened the event by moderating a discussion with Antonio Garrigues-Walker y Álvaro Rengifo AbbadBoth experts analyzed the direct impact on trade traffic of current geopolitical tensions and the tariff rates implemented by the Trump Administration.
The three pillars of global competitiveness
Under the moderation of Jorge Alvar, Director General of Digital Transformation, Information and Strategy of ICEX - Spanish Institute for Foreign TradeThe round table discussion "Challenges and Levers for Competing in Global Markets" took place. The speakers analyzed the critical management areas:
| Speaker / Entity | Area of Expertise | Strategic Key |
|---|---|---|
| carlos dalmau (Sabadell Bank) |
International Finance and Business | Market diversification and anticipation of financial risk scenarios. |
| Enrique Valero (Retuerta Abbey) |
Product and Industry | Differentiation and identity of Spanish products to compete in demanding sectors. |
| Nuno Martins (DHL Express) |
Logistics and Transportation | Logistical resilience as a strategic factor that conditions export capacity. |
New Executive Master's Degree in International Trade
During this master session, the contents of the new Executive Master in International TradeThis training program aims to equip managers with advanced tools in regulation and operations management.
The academic co-directors, Maite Seco Benedicto y Mercedes de Prada RodríguezThey detailed the characteristics of the postgraduate program: Methodology based on real-world case studies; in-depth analysis of international scenarios and Faculty comprised of active, expert professionals.
At the closing, Felix Plaza Romero He reiterated the need to "interpret the policies and decisions of the main global players" to anticipate the market, stressing that a deep understanding of exogenous factors is vital to achieving a competitive advantage.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the ICEX-Garrigues Conference
What are the main challenges identified for Spanish companies?
Experts pointed to tariff rates (especially those related to the US administration), geopolitical conflicts, and the need to operate under permanent uncertainty, managing financial and logistical risks.
What role does logistics play according to the event's conclusions?
According to Nuno Martins of DHL Express, logistics is no longer a commodity to become a strategic resilience factor that directly determines whether a company can export successfully or not.
Who is the new Master's program aimed at?
The Executive Master in International Trade is designed for managers and professionals who need to update their knowledge of international strategy, regulation, finance and operations through a practical methodology.