The opening session of the 52nd AICO Assembly brought together prominent political and business leaders from Latin America, Spain, and Africa. The ceremony focused on the crucial role of Chambers of Commerce in a complex geopolitical and economic environment, highlighting the strategic position of the Canary Islands as a tricontinental bridge.

The session was inaugurated by a distinguished panel of authorities who offered their perspectives on trade, cooperation, and global challenges.

Carlos Cuerpo, Minister of Economy, Trade, and Business of Spain, addressed the assembly to underline the Spanish Government's commitment to strengthening Ibero-American relations, expressing his regret for not being able to attend in person.

Key Points of His Speech:

Ibero-America as a Transcendent Partner: The minister described the relationship with Ibero-America as "transcendent." He highlighted that trade between the region and the European Union has grown by almost 50% in the last decade, positioning Europe as the third most important trading partner for Ibero-America.

Driving Trade Agreements: He placed special emphasis on the importance of trade agreements to consolidate this alliance. He specifically mentioned:

The signing of the agreement with Mercosur, which is expected to be ratified before the end of the year.

The modernization of the conventions with Mexico and Chile.

He pointed out that, with these treaties, almost 98% of trade between the EU and Ibero-America will be covered, ensuring a "transparent, fair, and mutually beneficial" exchange.

Response to Global Challenges: In a context of geoeconomic uncertainty, climate change, and rapid technological evolution, he stated that the key is to "weave networks among partners" who share a common vision to transform challenges into opportunities.

Role of Public-Private Collaboration: He praised the work of the Chambers of Commerce as a "tool with enormous potential" and a "model of progress." He thanked them for their dedication and effort, stressing that joint work between the public and private sectors is more necessary than ever to boost economic growth.

Conclusion of the Speech:

The Minister concluded by expressing his confidence that the assembly would generate enriching reflections and decisions for the future of the organizations. He invited attendees to participate actively and enjoy the hospitality of Gran Canaria. His message reinforced Spain's vision as a fundamental bridge between Europe and Ibero-America, with clear support for economic integration through trade treaties and business collaboration.

Luis Padrón - President of the Chamber of Commerce, Services, Industry, and Navigation of Gran Canaria, Spain.

Strength of the Chamber Network: He underlined that the greatest asset of the chambers is their cohesive and internationally recognized network, describing it as "the best passport for international trade."

Geopolitical Context: He emphasized that geopolitics "invades and permeates" all business decisions, creating trade tensions and reconfiguring regional dynamics. He mentioned the EU-MERCOSUR agreement as a key opportunity.

Role of the Canary Islands: He positioned the Canary Islands as a welcoming region, with an open and competitive economy, that plays a fundamental role in relations between Europe, Africa, and Latin America, and offered the support of Canarian business people to investors.

Natalio Mario Grinman - President of AICO

Natalio Grinman highlighted the historical magnitude of the event, being the first of this scale in AICO's 50 years.

Vibrancy of the Canary Islands: He expressed his admiration for the "diamond in the rough" that is the Canarian economy and its development, considering it a transcendent region.

Defense of the Private Sector: He launched an energetic call to action, affirming that "it is the economy" and that governors must understand that the private sector is the one that generates wealth. He urged business leaders not to be afraid to speak out against poor political decisions.

New Threats: He warned about the dangers of cyberwarfare and the need for the private sector to prepare for these new threats that can destabilize the world "without firing a bullet."

Liliana Sánchez - President of the CIAC

Liliana Sánchez focused her speech on the need for legal certainty (security) to sustain the commercial dynamism between Ibero-America and Spain.

Role of the CIAC: She presented the Inter-American Commercial Arbitration Commission (CIAC) as a private regional system, led by 27 arbitration centers, which offers effective solutions for contractual breaches in a scenario of political instability and market volatility.

Modernization and New Rules: She announced a profound transformation of the CIAC, with the creation of an Arbitration Court (Permanent Commission) and the entry into force of new procedural rules to streamline and give greater coherence to arbitral awards.

Call to the Business Community: She called on business people to use the services of the CIAC and consolidate arbitration as the preferred method for resolving commercial disputes.

José Luis Bonet - President of the Chamber of Spain

José Luis Bonet emphasized the need to strengthen strategic alliances in an uncertain world.

Complex Environment: He described an environment where multilateralism and free trade are threatened, and where Europe "has lost position at the global power table."

Strategic Alliances: Quoting the President of the Council of Europe, he advocated for "more Europe" and clear alliances with Africa and Ibero-America, highlighting the role of Spain and Portugal in this new "Iberism."

Model of Success: He presented the "Kit Digital" program in Spain—which has succeeded in digitizing more than a million SMEs—as a successful public-private cooperation model that can be a benchmark for Ibero-America.

Summary of Panel 1 - Dialogue on Geopolitics and its Influence on Markets

Participants:

Mr. José Ignacio Torreblanca (European Council of Foreign Relations)

Mr. Ernesto Talvi (Real Instituto Elcano)

Moderator: Mr. Rubén Esteller (El Economista)

The panel addressed the central question of whether Europe and Latin America can forge a strategic alliance in a world that has abandoned the cooperative multilateral order to enter a new era of geopolitical competition and fragmentation. The final message was clear: the chaos of the new geopolitical order must not lead to paralysis. On the contrary, it compels Europe and Latin America to accelerate their integration, not as a relationship of dependency, but as a strategic alliance between equals. Businesses that understand this new dynamic and the resilience of the business fabric will be able to navigate uncertainty and capitalize on the enormous opportunities arising from this global reconfiguration.