Good morning every one,
It is truly special for me to visit Canada, a country with which I have such strong ties and where, even if I do not visit as often as I would like to, I genuinely feel at home.
The program for this occasion has a strong focus on economic and business relations, but also on education and institutional relationships. Over the course of these three days, I am sure to both discover and highlight how far we have come along together, Spaniards and Canadians, but also I hope to help deepen and strengthen our exchanges and alliances in new and innovative ways.
Our government and corporations are well aware of how strong and valuable our bilateral links are across so many areas with Canada, an extraordinary country with which we share deep values and many interests.
Therefore, I believe we are quite ready, eager and committed to bolster and multiply our economic ties as true friends and strategic allies, moved by pragmatism and opportunity −as evidenced by the many high-level exchanges between our two countries over the past year and a half−. More importantly, inspired by trust and a common sense of purpose that looks for an honest mutual benefit while not overlooking or ignoring the common good at a regional or global scale.
Today’s event is a new demonstration of this readiness and commitment. We have just witnessed the full cooperation of our governments during the exceptional discussion between Deputy PM Carlos Cuerpo and Min. Evan Solomon, as well as the signing of the MoU on AI, a very concrete expression of our shared will to help shaping the digital future together, through knowledge, leadership and sound investments.
Indeed, I would like to take a moment and thank the business leaders of both countries for their presence here today. As well as the efforts of the Spanish Sec. of State for Trade, through ICEX “Spain, Trade and Investments”, the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations (CEOE), and the Ch. of Com. of Spain, together with “Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada”, thank you for organizing this timely conference.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Our future −our common future− depends on several strategic priorities of paramount importance. However, if I had to focus on one it would be how we both engage in the digital and technological revolution.
Canada can count on Spain, on Spanish companies and institutions, for this endeavour. It is also reassuring to note that our business partnerships are moving forward and growing in scale and ambition.
For all these reasons, it is a great pleasure to take part in this Spain—Canada Conference and Networking initiative that gathers representatives of the business communities of Canada and Spain here in Toronto.
Last December, a very successful Spain—Canada bilateral Business Meeting on Economic Security, Critical Infrastructures and AI took place in this vibrant city, chaired by our Deputy PM (Minister of Economy, Trade and Business) Carlos Cuerpo.
During that visit, a commitment was made: to increase partnerships and mutual investments, to reinforce economic security and advance cooperation in strategic sectors, with the objective of doubling trade over the coming 5 years.
Today, once again, our business leaders meet here, and we would be delighted to welcome them to Spain soon, as agreed during the Deputy PM’s last visit.
Canada and the EU are increasingly close partners and allies in different fields. Spain, as a leading EU Member State, wants to show its closeness to Canada and develop ever more our common interests.
"...Spain and Canada are enjoying an excellent period in our bilateral relations, built on mutual trust and a shared ambition to reduce barriers, promote innovation, and create a business environment where companies can thrive..."
We are all gathering here to reinforce and boost our bilateral relations, because familiarity brings affection, trust and partnership. This partnership provides our business communities with a powerful synergy, enhancing our shared capabilities to reach solid and more ambitious horizons.
A good example of this growing closeness is also the remarkable increase of air connectivity between our two countries, with direct flight frequencies having more than doubled in just four years. Stronger connections between Canada and Spain are bringing our societies closer together, boosting tourism, helping business opportunities, and deeper people-to-people ties.
There is, of course, a wide margin for growth in our bilateral exchanges. Just think about what we both represent: Canada, a strong and dynamic G7 economy, and Spain, the 12th largest economy in the world, the 4th in the EU and one of the fastest growing among advanced countries.
Indeed, we are at the headquarters of MaRS Discovery District. As North America’s largest urban innovation hub, it very much embodies the virtues of the Canadian innovation ecosystem. The metrics of this ecosystem show resilience, impact, and creativity.
Canada has counted on leading universities, migration policies designed to attract international talent and a fiscal framework favourable to innovation, scaling and consolidation of new technologies. It is committed to the adoption of new technologies and digitalization, and is a world leader in the concentration of talent in AI. It has truly transformed itself, attracting and nurturing talent. Therefore, I am happy and proud to say that the EU and Spanish companies have joined Canada in this endeavour.
Spain, in turn, continues outperforming some of its main partners, despite global uncertainty. Its growth partially stems from its own innovative ecosystem, and from public policies aimed at promoting investment initiatives that have resulted in an increase in the capacity to produce more in the high value-added sectors. Our innovative ecosystem is an important contributor to our positive macroeconomic performance.
We stand among the world's leading Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) destinations, ranking number 12 globally; and we are at the forefront in key sectors: the world's 3rd largest recipient of greenfield renewable energy projects, and the 7th country for FDI in software and IT services.
However, it is ever more necessary to ensure economic security, which requires resilient supply chains and reinforced institutional cooperation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Spain and Canada are enjoying an excellent period in our bilateral relations, built on mutual trust and a shared ambition to reduce barriers, promote innovation, and create a business environment where companies can thrive.
We want this positive momentum to materialise into real opportunities for our companies. Opportunities that go beyond our borders and can easily foster third market cooperation. By joining forces, we can develop powerful joint projects that create quality jobs, strengthen our industrial supply chains, and drive sustainable growth.
In times of great uncertainty and rough waters, we need firm anchors. Partnerships create such anchors, so reliable partners are more important than ever to sail safely and in good company. As your Prime Minister has stated, Canada is looking for reliable partners, and I can safely say that Spain is proud to be one of them.
Spain and Canada are united by shared principles and values, mutual trust, and a common vision for open, rules-based trade and investment. In a world marked by shifting global dynamics, our countries stand out for their resilience, but also by their commitment to multilateralism.
Spaniards and Canadians are most often fond of each other and work very well together. This is quite evident in the exceptional work carried out by our companies. It is quite impressive to see the incredible position and performance of Spanish companies in transport and energy infrastructures. I am proud of how they are helping transform the lives of so many Canadians, and of how they have successfully deep rooted themselves for years in this immense nation.
By joining forces, we can address global challenges such as the digital transformation, sustainability and climate crises, and supply chain resilience; but also transcend new frontiers of scientific research, in areas like deep sea or space exploration, medicine and healthcare, mobility and connectivity. By leveraging our complementary strengths and fostering a spirit of partnership, we can seize emerging opportunities and ensure that our companies remain at the forefront of innovation and competitiveness.
We close this conference with full confidence that this new phase of mutual commitment and alignment between Canada and Spain will only continue to deepen. As demonstrated today, I am sure we will effectively move forward through strategic planning and concrete actions that should bring clear benefits to our citizens that may ensure a prosperous future for both our nations.
Thank you all very much.