First Spain-West Africa Chamber of Commerce Meeting

Africa
16 Jan 2024

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Chamber of Commerce of Gran Canaria hosted the inaugural Encuentro de Cámaras de Comercio de España y África Occidental on November 22, 2023, at Infecar Feria de Gran Canaria. This event marked a pivotal moment, bringing together key stakeholders from the Spanish trade and tourism sectors to forge collaborations with chambers of commerce from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member countries.

Objectives and Key Outcomes

The primary objectives of the event were twofold. Firstly, to elevate the visibility of the Canary Islands as a strategic hub for Spanish businesses in Africa and, reciprocally, to spotlight the region among African enterprises eyeing opportunities in Spain. Secondly, the event aimed to foster strong and stable relationships between Spanish and African chamber structures, laying the groundwork for identifying and capitalizing on business prospects and offer the opportunities of B2B meetings.

The event witnessed high-level participation, featuring influential figures such as José Luis Bonet, President of the Chamber of Spain, Antonio Morales, President of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, and Farman Toure, President of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of West Africa.

UNWTO’s role

A crucial aspect of the event was the focus on sustainable tourism practices. Elcia Grandcourt, UNWTO Regional Director for Africa, played a pivotal role as a speaker in a dedicated tourism panel. Her insights delved into the lessons that can be learned and shared between Europe and Africa, with a specific emphasis on the unique perspective offered by the Canary Islands.

Moreover, Ms. Grandcourt engaged in bilateral meetings with Luis Padrón, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Gran Canarias. This underscores the commitment to fostering partnerships and dialogue between international organizations and regional business entities in Europe and Africa.

Looking Beyond Borders

The event did not only center around Africa and Europe but also expanded its horizons to the Americas, emphasizing the global nature of economic collaboration. This forward-looking approach positions the Canary Islands as a key player in facilitating international business connections.

In conclusion, the Encuentro de Cámaras de Comercio was a resounding success, laying the foundation for future collaborations and promoting inclusive economic growth between Spain and West Africa. The event's objectives were achieved through thoughtful discussions, networking sessions, and the active participation of key stakeholders from both regions.

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