“A firm commitment and a clear commitment to the countries of Ibero-America through bigger and better investments that increase our growth potential and create quality jobs.” In this way, the businessmen led by the organizations of the Ibero-American Business Council CEIB, have the recently held in the Dominican Republic XIV Ibero-American Business Meeting completed.
Act of the official program of the XXVIII. Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, co-organized with the Ibero-American Secretary General SEGIB, is without a doubt the great business event in the region and a clear example of dialogue and genuine public-private collaboration It has emerged as a real meeting place for our productive ecosystem and established as the best scenario for the business reality of Latin America.
With more than 1,500 participants and 100 panellists, the event in Santo Domingo not only exceeded the number of participants, but also marked a milestone in the dialogue and contributions of the corporate sector, with the CEIB members signing our commitment to investments called, a clear statement of intent.
In a complex historical context with enormous challenges and also opportunities, for Latin America to achieve truly sustainable development it is essential to return to the path of economic growth. Private investments play a fundamental role in this. The CEIB Manifesto contains “a clear message about the role of business in our societies and in our region, this great Ibero-America of all places: without private initiative there is no development. Entrepreneurs are not the problem, they are the solution”.
In front of the heads of state attending the Business Meeting Discussion that marks the conclusion of the economic program and the beginning of the political summit, the entrepreneurs opted for a new social pact that promotes public-private alliances and commits all stakeholders to sustainable development trying to resume growth without leaving anyone behind.
The text of the manifesto calls for and promotes the defense of property rights and entrepreneurial freedom, key tools to reduce transaction costs, improve resource allocation and stimulate innovation. They accept the challenge of the digital transformation of our region, promote the improvement of our productivity and competitiveness, close gaps and promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
A clear and resounding commitment to invest in human capital development. And a call to keep infrastructure challenges in mind and prioritize them, to show their willingness to collaborate on large-scale projects that integrate and connect Latin America.
This goes hand in hand with recognizing the existence of significant gender gaps that define the present and future of our societies, before “assuming the commitment to promote greater integration of women into the business environment and to avoid all forms of arbitrary discrimination”.
They advocate promoting transparency and public and private ethics “to encourage investment and improve perceptions of trust in our societies, and commit to” investing in companies and projects that generate a triple positive impact – economic, social and ecological – and promote environmental protection. Social inclusion and energy transition”.
We must regain our region’s attractiveness as a location for global investment. To this end, we must champion free enterprise and economic freedom, two fundamental factors in boosting the economic development of our region. In the same way, defend the implementation of adequate and stable regulatory frameworks that harmoniously support the legitimate aspirations and desires of the various stakeholders of our societies, avoiding absences or excesses. Public and private alliances are an ideal tool in the quest for wealth.
In the port of Sans Souci and in a room specially created for the business meeting, the experts dealt with, among other things, business innovation as a pillar of economic development; Sustainability, climate protection, social commitment and new financing models; the economic prospects of Latin America; gender equality as the transformative engine of new transitions; infrastructure, energy and ecological transition; Connectivity and digital transformation as the basis for productive and sustainable innovation; and tourism in the region as a major lever for recovery.
A unique opportunity to strengthen bonds and move forward in our desire to build more businesses and more regions together. We are motivated by a commitment to increasing commitment to the values of free enterprise, dialogue, freedoms, security and a favorable climate for investment. These days we have once again spoken with a single voice of democracy; multilateralism; strategic alliances; regional integration; legal and political security; Competitiveness, management, retention and recycling of talent, innovation: digitization; or sustainability. These principles are our reason for being, and these days in Santo Domingo have served to reflect on them and engage leaders across the region in their meaning.
One of the highlights of these days was the celebration of the XXXI. Meeting of Presidents of Ibero-American Business Organizations, attended by the Heads of Membership of the International Organization of Employers, OIE, composed of the CEIB. An appointment that has been taking place for more than 30 years, even before there were the Iberoamerican Summits.
Young entrepreneurs also had their own space when they entered the XII. th edition of the Iberoamerican Congress of Young Entrepreneurs, their big annual event organized by FIJE (Iberoamerican Federation of Young Entrepreneurs), one of the best collaborators of SEGIB and CEIB, all their initiatives. They focused their work on the importance of fostering entrepreneurship, a commitment to labor market-adapted education and training, and the need to value talent and, most importantly, preserve and recycle it for future generations.
The next appointment is in Ecuador in 2024, at a summit where Ibero-American businessmen will again be active and engaged.
Narcissus married He is Permanent Secretary of the Ibero-American Business Council (CEIB) and CEOE CEO of Internacional.
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