Felipe VI defends the “rules-based system” before a distinguished group of investors from the US and other countries

Eduardo González King Felipe VI warned international investors from the United States and other countries on Monday that, in “a more fragmented, introspective, and less secure world” like the current one, countries and companies have a “collective responsibility” to defend the “rules-based system, openness, and cooperation,” which are the principles that “have sustained prosperity for decades.” For his part, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez encouraged international investors to invest in Spain because, “amid the current global disorder, it is a true safe haven.” “Of the five largest European economies, none other is able to combine our formula with such success: record growth, a dynamic job market, a green agenda, world-class infrastructure, top-notch public services, and an unwavering commitment to openness and talent,” declared Pedro Sánchez during the opening of the second edition of the Invest in Spain Summit, organized by ICEX Spain Export and Investment at the Teatro Real in Madrid. Also speaking at the opening ceremony were the First Vice President of the Government and Minister of Economy, Trade and Business, Carlos Cuerpo, and the Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, and the Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Administration, Óscar López. The Invest in Spain Summit brought together executives from more than 75 multinational companies in 25 countries with the aim of strengthening direct dialogue between leading international investors and the Spanish government, exchanging proposals, and analyzing the needs of companies investing in the Spanish market. Nearly 180 bilateral meetings were held during the event between international investors and high-level institutional representatives. Most of the participating companies came from the United States (19), China (eight), and Japan (seven), although there were also companies from France (five), the United Kingdom (four), the Netherlands, India, Germany, Argentina, and Italy (two each). In terms of sectors, information and communication technology (ICT) companies predominated, with a total of 18; followed by energy (ten), life sciences (nine), sustainable mobility (nine), and capital goods (seven). At the closing ceremony, King Felipe VI highlighted the strong presence of US companies at the event, noting that the US is "the largest investor in Spain and one of the main destinations for our own investment abroad." He also affirmed that Spain "ranks among the world's leading destinations for foreign direct investment, occupying twelfth place globally," which reflects "confidence in a country that has transformed itself, attracting and nurturing talent." “Spain is a dynamic, outward-looking economy: a leading global tourist destination, which welcomed nearly one hundred million visitors last year; a country achieving record levels of exports; and a welcoming business ecosystem that is increasingly international,” he continued. “We live in times of great uncertainty,” the King noted. “For decades, global growth has been based on a system of rules, openness, and cooperation—a framework that has allowed businesses to operate with freedom and predictability,” but “today, that balance is under strain,” he warned. “Many foresee a more fragmented, introspective, and less secure world,” but “the principles that have sustained prosperity over time remain as relevant as ever, and it is our collective responsibility to defend them,” he stated. Pedro Sánchez For his part, Pedro Sánchez stated that, in these times of “global disorder,” with “a turbulent and uncertain world” in which “geopolitics has become a destabilizing factor, not only for the economy, but also for the peace and prosperity of our people,” Spain “is a true safe haven” for investment. In the current “period of turbulence,” he insisted, Spain is the “best travel companion” for investors for three reasons: because it continues to create wealth, employment, higher per capita income, and social progress in a “highly volatile and uncertain” context; because it is better prepared “than any other major European economy to face the worst energy crisis in history” thanks to its transformation “from a fossil fuel colony” to “a renewable energy metropolis”; and because it has a “responsible” fiscal policy, since “for the first time in 16 years, Spain will have less debt than the world average and its first primary surplus in a generation.” According to Pedro Sánchez, Spain is the world's fourth-largest recipient of foreign direct investment and the leading country in Europe. "The stock of foreign investment has been growing for a decade" thanks to the fact that "Spain, in addition to its privileged geographical location and balanced international policy, offers legal certainty, a competitive environment, and a stable institutional framework, which we will continue to improve," he asserted. "Investment has become a key driver of our economy," he added.

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