Ibero-American Business Forum: Strengthening partnerships for diversification and growth

Our President Maciej Witucki participated in the 16th Ibero-American Business Forum organised by our Spanish member CEOE, speaking on the panel “How does the world see Ibero-America?” The forum brought together business leaders to shape private sector’s contributions to the 30th Ibero-American Summit on 4–5 November.

Witucki stressed that diversifying trade is essential to Europe’s economic security and competitiveness, with closer partnerships between the EU and Latin America playing a key role. “Ibero-America is a region of great strategic interest. It is also a region that feels very close to us, as we share strong historical, cultural and economic ties.”

The EU has an extensive network of preferential trade agreements across the region, covering Mexico, Chile, Central America, the Andean countries, Mercosur and the Dominican Republic. These agreements provide more than market access: they establish clear rules and a predictable framework for trade, investment and long-term business partnerships. The priority is to ensure companies can benefit from them through effective implementation, simpler procedures and practical support, particularly for SMEs. Further progress on ratification, including of the EU-Mercosur agreement, remains essential.

“We need a predictable, transparent and business-friendly environment in which companies can fully reap the benefits of these agreements, invest with confidence and build long-term partnerships”, Witucki stated.