JOSEP PIQUÉ CAMPS
The Ibero-American Business Foundation seeks to strengthen the Ibero-American community through business and commerce.
BIOGRAPHY
Josep Piqué Camps is the president of the Ibero-American Business Foundation. He is also the president of the Spain-Japan Foundation and the honorary president of the Spanish-Korean Chamber of Commerce. Among other positions, he has served as the Minister of Industry and Energy (1996-2000), government spokesperson (1998-2000), Minister of Foreign Affairs (2000-2002), and Minister of Science and Technology (2002-2003). He has a graduate degree and a PhD in economy and business, and a degree in law, all from the University of Barcelona. He has worked as a professor of economic theory since 1984.
We aim to achieve this goal by providing practical and feasible content and analysis. We work 'hand in hand' with the Ibero-American General Secretariat, presenting our proposals and ideas at Ibero-American summits so that they can eventually become a reality.
Among other matters, we address issues related to educational and professional mobility, digitalization, financial and legal cooperation, good corporate governance practices, and the Ibero-American system of high-level education.
The integration of Ecuador in the Pacific Alliance is not a minor political decision. By doing so, Ecuador has sent a positive message to the rest of the world. The country is displaying its willingness to integrate the values of commercial openness, political pragmatism, and public-private cooperation — the same values used to create the most prosperous block for the Ibero-American community.
Ever since its establishment, the Pacific Alliance has promoted the social and economic development of its member countries. I will take this opportunity to draw parallels between Ecuador's integration in the Pacific Alliance with Spain's integration in the EU, which is a subject I know well because I previously served as Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The positive effects of successful integration extend to everyone—it is what we nowadays refer to as inclusive development. The integration of Spain in the EU did not only make it stronger, but it sped up the convergence of the rest of Europe and made Spain's economy more dynamic, prosper, and open.
Spain has done best when it has opened itself to the world, and similarly, Ecuador and the rest of Latin America do best when they open themselves to the world.
That's why it's vital that Ecuador becomes part of the process. Within this context, it is important to emphasize on transparency and entrepreneurship in order to further strengthen the country and make it a magnet for talent and investors from across the world.
JOSEP PIQUÉ CAMPS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interview
Felipe Ribadeneira Molestina, President of the Board of Directors, Ecuadorian Federation of Exporters (FEDEXPOR)
FEDEXPOR is directing the government to sign new trade agreements, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and implement a host of other measures to increase Ecuador's competitiveness in the global market.
read articleInterview
Walter Spurrier, President, Grupo Spurrier
For decades, Grupo Spurrier has been providing key data and insights to international companies interested in Ecuador. With mining activity picking up pace again, the company is set to play a bigger role in the country's economic development.
read articleInterview
Fernando L. Benalcázar, Vice Minister of Mines, Ministry of Energy and Non-renewable Natural Resources
TBY talks to Fernando L. Benalcázar, Vice Minister of Mines, Ministry of Energy and Non-renewable Natural Resources, on developments in the sector, expectations for 2020, and the potential of Ecuador's economy.
read articleInterview
Agustín Albán, Secretary, Higher Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (SENESCYT)
Through a holistic education policy, SENESCYT is working on establishing international alliances, creating online learning programs, and increasing the amount of R&D activities in Ecuador's universities.
read articleInterview
Raúl Villacrés Vanegas, Executive Director, Ecuadorian Association of Banana Exporters (AEBE)
Representing 70% of Ecuador's banana exports, AEBE has worked hand in hand with the state to support the circulation of better agricultural, social, and environmental practices in the sector.
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