SACF organised this seminar together with the Embassy of Australia, Austrade and BBVA
BBVA’s Innovation Hub hosted the Spain-Australia Dialogue, which featured an overview of the regulatory framework and business opportunities to be encountered by Spanish companies in Australia, given that exports are the main driver of economic recovery. The event, organised by the Spain Australia Council Foundation with the cooperation of the Embassy of Australia to Spain, the Australian Trade Commission and BBVA, was the first official event in Spain for the Ambassador of Australia, Virginia Greville. Also in attendance were SACF’s Chairman, Juan-Miguel Villar Mir, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Ignacio Ybáñez and the Head of Institutional Relations at BBVA, Ramón Gascón.
SACF Chairman Juan-Miguel Villar Mir said the event was a great opportunity to raise awareness about the legal, financial and business framework for investors interested in Australia as a potential market. Spanish companies are gradually increasing their presence in the country as well as diversifying into a number of strategic sectors. He also pointed at the importance of Spain’s role within the European Union and its relations with Latin America and North-African countries in terms of attracting Australian investment.
SACF’s Chairman also thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and its representative, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, for supporting Spanish companies in their international expansions, especially in Australia, which is a priority market for the Government and the private sector. Along with the Ministry’s support, Villar Mir said “the commitment of the Patrons, who make activities like today’s a reality” was crucial to SACF’s mission. He also emphasised the importance of “events to increase mutual knowledge, such as the Australian Leaders Programme and the visit by Minister Andrew Robb in July 2014.”
According to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Ignacio Ybáñez, the relationship between the two countries must be political, economic and socio-cultural if it is to consolidate and deepen over time, and added that "that’s what our relationship with Australia is like.” In relation to political issues, he explained that the two countries share the same democratic values and maintain close diplomatic relations, as proven by the visit by Minister Robb and the visit by Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, José Manuel García Margallo to Australia in September. Ignacio Ybáñez also referred to the negotiations currently underway for a Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and Australia, which would consolidate bilateral relations. Other projects to strengthen Europe-Asia ties, such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the new Silk Road, “will not be complete until they reach Australia.” The Secretary of State also mentioned the presence of Spanish companies in Australia and the rest of the world, describing them as the best possible representatives of Spain’s brand as a country.
The Spain Australia Council Foundation had the honour of organising the first event attended by Virginia Greville as Ambassador of Australia to Spain. In her address, Greville emphasised the Australian Government’s commitment to attracting investment and paving the way for Spanish companies to enter the country by honouring its motto: “Australia, Open for Business”. According to the Ambassador, growth in a country the size of Australia cannot be achieved without the development of infrastructure, a sector that is permanently creating opportunities for Spanish companies. Among the advantages offered by the country to foreign investors in the sector, Greville highlighted the 5-billion-dollar credit line that her Government has approved to carry out projects.
The Ambassador was pleased with this dialogue, backed by the SACF, since events like this “are a unique chance to get to know one another and discuss opportunities.” The event also served for attendees and representatives of institutions with interests in Australia to share their experiences in the country. According to Greville, addressing all the possibilities the future holds is very positive, as is discussing challenges and working on them: “That sort of attitude will continue to strengthen our relationship in the future.”
For further information, please see the seminar programme and the participants’ bios.
