Madrid, Spain. June 2, 2023 – NEORIS, the global digital accelerator with more than 22 years of experience in the technology sector, participated in the sixth edition of the Business Council Alliance for Ibero-America (Consejo Empresarial Alianza por Iberoamérica - CEAPI). The event took place in the Reina Sofía Museum in the Spanish capital and focused on the role of companies and business leaders in continuing to build and expand commercial ties among Latin America, the United States and the European Union.

In opening the event, H.M. King Felipe VI highlighted the importance of CEAPI and its activities to promote closeness, economic exchanges and business relations between Europe and Latin America, highlighting the Iberian Peninsula as a key location for connecting countries. The high-level presence demonstrated the relevance and commitment of these meetings for fostering continued international collaboration among countries with already strong historical ties.

To further the gathering’s important themes, Jorge Lukowski, Global Director of Communications and Marketing, moderated a round table titled The Virtuous Triangle: Promoting Business Relations among Spain, the United States and Latin America. The discussion covered multiple complex topics, highlighting the important role Spanish companies have in the construction and extension of the transatlantic link now and into the future.

“In the current context, it is important to have global and strategic thinking to strengthen business relationships, in addition to reflecting on the challenges and opportunities in the region in terms of innovation, digitalization and technology. We firmly believe that we can be a great promoter of collaborative relationships for Spanish companies with their peers in Latin America and the United States,” stated the Director.

The round table featured prominent business leaders from these three geographic markets and included executives from the energy, real estate, financial and insurance sectors with Alberto Espinosa Desigaud, CEO Global Assurance (Mexico), Nelson Mezerhane, President of Diario de las Américas (United States) and Enrique Riquelme, President and CEO of COX Energy (Spain) among those participating. The business leaders focused on the pivotal role of Latin America as an internationalization market for Spanish companies, many of which have already been renewing their interest and commitment to investing in the region over a more than three-decade period.

The panel offered several compelling takeaway points for strengthening collaboration for these markets. Among them is the importance of a robust private sector that promotes the interests of free enterprise, allowing it to serve as a strong employment pillar within these economies. Additionally, it was emphasized that virtuous economic relations require a democratic environment with respect for human rights and freedom.

The synergies and competitive advantages that complement each other among the three markets within Spain, the United States and Latin America were also highlighted. Sustainability was also raised as a key aspect that goes beyond its positive impact, having been shown to be a profitable business feature of its own.

Digital transformation and innovation were identified as fundamental elements for competitiveness and growth in these markets. In addition, the role of nearshoring in promoting collaboration and generating business opportunities for economies such as Mexico and Spain was highlighted.

The round table participants also developed a consensus that deepening the promotion of economic exchange through organizations such as CEAPI is key to strengthening leadership between Latin America and Spain. Likewise, emphasis was placed on the importance of encouraging close cooperation for large and medium-sized companies with startups to boost competitiveness in a demanding and complex market.

In his closing remarks, Lukowski stated, “These conclusions invite us to embrace the future with determination and strategic vision. It is time to take advantage of all the opportunities that business collaboration offers us, boosting economic development and opening new horizons for sustainable and prosperous growth for our societies.”

The Madrid meeting of the Business Council Alliance for Ibero-America (CEAPI) brought together more than 400 presidents of Ibero-American companies with investments on both sides of the Atlantic along with dozens of institutional leaders from these regions with the aim of highlighting the role of entrepreneurs and their impact on society. The gathering also covered important related economic issues such as infrastructure, the innovation of Artificial Intelligence, energy transition, raw materials, family businesses, investment as a driver of change, soccer and social impact, among other pressing topics.