The XVI Ibero-American Business Encounter was inaugurated this Tuesday at the Las Ventas Bullring in Madrid, consolidating itself as a fundamental space for collaboration between the public and private sectors of the region. The event, held within the framework of the XXX Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, brought together more than 2,000 participants from 42 countries. The opening featured the presence of Antonio Garamendi, president of CEOE and of the Ibero-American Business Council (CEIB); Andrés Allamand, Ibero-American Secretary General; José Manuel Albares, Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Amparo López Senovilla, Secretary of State for Commerce. During the sessions, it was stressed that ongoing dialogue between governments and businesses is the most effective path to transform political priorities into real economic commitments that benefit society.
Antonio Garamendi highlighted that “the moment is Ibero-America’s,” noting that the region has more than 600 million people and vital strategic resources such as lithium, copper, and vast potential in renewable energies. According to presented data, foreign direct investment in the area has grown from 8% in 2015 to 12.8% in 2025, reinforcing its role as a reliable partner in a context of global volatility. In this regard, the “Madrid Declaration” was presented, signed by 29 business organizations from 22 countries, which defends that sustainable development does not exist without solid institutions, legal certainty, freedom of enterprise, and respect for private property. The business leaders urged governments to implement quality regulation that fosters investment and formal employment.
The meeting also served to commemorate the tenth anniversary of CEIB, a network representing 33 million companies. As part of the novelties, the “Ibero-American Business Space Connect” was launched, a digital platform supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to facilitate business networking. In addition, topics such as open innovation and the dynamism of fintechs in the region were addressed. The event will conclude with the handover of CEIB presidency from Spain to Honduras, represented by Anabel Gallardo, and will feature the official closing by King Felipe VI, reaffirming the institutional commitment to Ibero-American economic integration.
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