The Ministry of Economy brings together Spanish Chambers of Commerce Abroad to analyse global challenges and strengthen support for the internationalisation of businesses

The Official Spanish Chambers of Commerce Abroad met at the State Secretariat for Trade to analyse how to strengthen support for Spanish companies in international markets, amidst a context defined by the reconfiguration of value chains, economic security and growing global competition.

The event, organised as part of the Assembly of Official Spanish Chambers of Commerce Abroad, took place at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business and was opened by the Secretary of State for Trade, Amparo López Senovilla, and the President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, José Luis Bonet.

The meeting highlighted some of the key challenges facing the internationalisation of Spanish businesses: the new geo-economic landscape, tariff tensions, the resilience of supply chains, economic security and making better use of public financial support schemes.

During her speech, López Senovilla emphasised that internationalisation has established itself as a key driver of growth and resilience for the Spanish economy. In this regard, she highlighted the "strength of Spain's foreign trade sector despite the uncertainties of the international context".

In April, exports of goods reached an all-time high for that month, at €34.388 billion, and maintained a positive trend throughout the first four months of the year. Furthermore, Spanish exports of high value-added services continue to show positive growth. As the Secretary of State for Trade pointed out, "these figures reflect the strength of Spain's manufacturing sector and its ability to identify opportunities even in challenging circumstances".

In this context, she pointed out that companies that open up to the outside world are "more productive, more innovative, create higher-quality jobs and cope better with change", which is why on-the-ground support is key to expanding their international presence.

The president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, José Luis Bonet, underscored the role played by Spanish Chambers of Commerce abroad in "driving the internationalisation of our economy" and highlighted the importance of bolstering support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their internationalisation efforts. In this regard, he noted that "we are a nation of SMEs, and the next leap in the internationalisation of our economy depends on helping, guiding and advising them as they expand abroad on a more permanent and structural basis".

The agenda continued with the General Assemblies of FECECA and FEDECOM, the federations representing Official Spanish Chambers of Commerce in the Americas and in Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania, respectively.

With a presence in strategic markets around the world, the network of Official Spanish Chambers of Commerce Abroad comprises 44 chambers across 42 countries. It plays a key role as a bridge connecting Spanish companies with institutions and international business ecosystems. Its work is essential in providing companies expanding abroad with market information, strategic contacts and on-the-ground support to compete successfully outside Spain.

Non official translation