More investment, an effective Mediterranean corridor, make tourism sustainable and lead southern Europe. They are the great urgencies to face, according to those attending the II Economic and Social Forum of the Mediterraneanan Iberian press initiative in collaboration with the “La Caixa” Foundation. The appointment has opened this Monday with a gala dinner at the Miramar Hotel in Malaga, which they have attended More than a hundred experts, authorities, businessmen, academics and civil society representatives. After the success of the first edition in Valencia, this new call consolidates a space for plural and technical reflection on the present and future of a strategic region.
Martí Saballs, director of Economic Information of the Iberian Press, has been in charge of welcoming The days It is “to think how we can improve the Mediterranean, first from a Spanish perspective.” “From Portbou to Tarifa are 1,600 kilometers, 11 provinces plus the Balearic Islands, comprise 41% of the population of Spain, 20 million people, and 40% of GDP,” he remarks. The meeting is celebrated This June 17 and 18 and has the participation of the Italian Minister Enrico Lettaamong others.
According to the Professor of Mediterranean history at the University of Cambridge, David Abulafia, a first issue to address is that tourism centers need to be much stricter about access. “We have seen this develop a little, very slowly, in Venice, as a result of years and years of campaign to ensure that ships could not arrive,” he exemplifies. “So it really depends on local initiatives and political courage,” ditch.
Francisco de la Torre, mayor of Malagahost city of the event, warns that The most urgent action is in educational mattersalthough it refers to something a bit more complex than it seems. “Since the Mediterranean is such an attractive place, a dynamic of a lot of purchase or housing rental is generated, that raises prices,” says the mayor. “The Mediterranean population must receive an education as powerful as possible And as competitive as possible with Europe, so that the salary level converges and approaches as much as possible, ”he adds.
Infrastructure
The challenges do not end there. A dozen guests consulted list the most important tasks, in their opinion. Carme PovedaDirector of Economic Analysis of the Cambra de Comerç de Barcelona opts for the Mediterranean corridor and end, in general, “The merchandise transport infrastructure and the connection with France”. Anna Majódirector of strategic sectors and innovation of Barcelona Activa, is committed to making The sea is an economic engine of the area.
For its part, José Manuel González-PáramoProfessor of Economics at IESE Business School, considers that Europe “has to be relocated in the front of geopolitics and geoeconomy and that that requires many things. In the short term – argument – we talk about tariffs. They are negotiating. initiatives are being accelerated“.
In his opinion, it is important to “expedite the creation of an internal market because today it remains a myth despite the number of years that we have had with us. Missing recognition and pushing the European financial market once towards a true union of savings and investment that is what we need here to avoid, for example, that the 'start-ups' when they want to grow go to the United States.”
Geopolitics and tourism
Outside they look, too, Rosa Cañadaspresident of the Tanja Foundation and president of Talea Capital, and Sabinaof the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC). The first, because he believes that the most urgent is to resolve The Israel-Palestine conflict and, in general, that there is interest from all the countries of the northern Mediterranean to join those of the South. Asns points out, on the other hand, towards tourism. “It will be the pest of the 21st century if we do not do it wellif we don't order this matter, people will say 'we used to live here before' ”.
To Josep Ma CrownsGeneral Director of the La Caixa Foundation, “Mediterranean peoples and nations have to join and work together”; while for Sergi LoughneyDeputy Director of Public Affairs of Caixabank, human investment is essential for and for people, which are those who “have to develop both economically and socially, just as this forum drives.”
The Moeve CEO, Me at WetSelabet because the Mediterranean takes the European leadership. “Southern Europe,” says, “has the opportunity to take the initiative, decide the future and not follow what the countries of northern Europe say. This requires investments in infrastructure and energy.” Precisely, Javier Colominaspecial representative of the NATO Secretary General for the South neighborhood, adds: “The physical infrastructure It is very important both rail and airport. Malaga has done well because he has invested a lot and has positioned himself as a relevant player. “
Joaquín SegoviaGeneral Director of Telefónica Sur, emphasizes that we must invest in talent, training and digital competences to take advantage of the great opportunities of the Mediterranean that has the best infrastructure in Europe of connectivity. “” We must convert infrastructure into a formula of attraction, employment and quality of life. “
Finally, for Carlos Estebanpartner of the Faber Fund, it is necessary More institutional investment and more facilities to 'start-ups', incubators … and, in general, to achieve that Companies growthey emerge and have a more fluid relationship with international investors, because that will make them know the region and invest in more projects. On the similar line is pronounced Laureà Fanegageneral director of Barcelona Nautica, which adds how “strange” it turned Sovereign Fund of Qatar or Saudi Arabia.
Start of the Conference
The II Mediterranean forum officially starts this Tuesday at the Palace of Fairs and Congresses in Malaga with an eye on the security and geopolitics with a dialogue between Javier Colominarepresentative of NATO for the southern flank, and Albert SáezGeneral Director of Contents of the Press Iberian Group, and Marc LópezDirector of Public Agenda, which will take place after welcome and institutional opening.
The meeting brings together more than fifty leaders from all areas for two days with the aim of analyzing and offering solutions for the challenges and opportunities facing the Mediterranean. Tuesday's day is welcome from Javier Moll, the president of the Press Iberian Group, and Josep Mª Coronas, General Director of Foundation La Caixa. The institutional opening will be carried out by Francisco de la Torre, mayor of Malaga; José Francisco Salado, president of the Diputación de Málaga, and Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, president of the Junta de Andalucía.
