Spain’s Chamber President at Atlantic Arch Forum
Atlantic arc Chambers Collaborate to Boost Regional Competitiveness
Table of Contents
- Atlantic arc Chambers Collaborate to Boost Regional Competitiveness
- Atlantic Arc chambers Collaborate to Boost Regional Competitiveness: Q&A
Vigo, March 7, 2025 – The IV Forum of the Atlantic Arc Chambers of Commerce convened to emphasize the critical role of collaboration among chambers, institutions, and companies within the Atlantic region.The primary goal is to confront shared challenges, including declining competitiveness and diminished regional attractiveness.
Keynote Address Highlights Public-Private Cooperation
José Luis Bonet, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Spain, underscored the significance of collaborative efforts. Bonet stated that “this initiative is a majestic example of how public-private cooperation helps us to advance in matters of maximum interest for the well-being and progress of society. In this case, in addition, the Forum of the Chambers of Commerce of the Atlantic Arch has another virtue such as collaboration at the territorial and international level, between regions that have similar challenges and opportunities. The unit of action, without a doubt, allows us to advance and multiply the implementation of initiatives and the search for solutions to common challenges.”
Forum Leadership and Participation
The event, hosted by the pontevedra Comercio Chamber, Vigo y Vilacía de arousa, saw participation from key figures including its president, José García Costas; the mayor of Vigo, Abel Caballero; and other regional leaders.
Atlantic Arch Cameras Alliance Seeks Broader Support
Sixteen chambers of commerce, united under the Atlantic Arch Cameras alliance, are actively seeking support from institutions and companies. Their focus includes the creation of a macro-region within the Atlantic arch, infrastructure development, and advancements in green hydrogen, marine wind energy, and tourism.
technical Session: Addressing Key Challenges
The first day of the forum featured discussions on advancements in areas such as the Transportation and mobility Monitoring Table of the Government of Spain, wine tourism initiatives along the Camino de Santiago, and the development of a hydrogen corridor and renewable energy sources.
priority Challenges and Proposed Actions
Participants addressed five key challenges, proposing actions to enhance:
- Connectivity and influence
- Diversification and entrepreneurship
- Sustainability, innovation, and internationalization
- Demographic challenges
- Talent attraction
The potential incorporation of new chambers within the Atlantic arch territory was also explored.
About the Atlantic Arch Chamber Initiative
In June 2023, chambers of commerce from Northern Portugal, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Burgos, Navarra, the Basque Country, and Nueva Aquitaine signed the Declaration of the Chambers of Commerce of the Atlantic Arch in Bilbao. This declaration aimed to establish inter-crop and inter-institutional cooperation to address economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Subsequent conferences in Porto (February 2024) and Oviedo (July 2024) further refined common interests and developed a strategic document, incorporating public administrations and university institutions into the project.
Priority Work Areas
The strategic document outlines three priority areas:
- Transport and intermodality
- Railway Atlantic Corridor
- Support for intermodality and connectivity of the ports of the Atlantic arch
- Hydrogen corridor and renewable energy
- Hydrogen corridor development
- Wind Marina
- The Camino de Santiago as a distinctive element
- Wine tourism
- Leisure, nature, and well-being activities
Synergies for Regional transformation
The Atlantic Arch chambers aim to create synergies to transform the region, making it more competitive, sustainable, dynamic, open, and connected, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.
Atlantic Arc chambers Collaborate to Boost Regional Competitiveness: Q&A
This article addresses key questions about the collaboration among Atlantic Arc chambers of commerce to enhance regional competitiveness, sustainability, and overall quality of life.
What is the Atlantic Arc Chambers Initiative?
the Atlantic Arc chambers Initiative is a collaborative effort among chambers of commerce from regions along the Atlantic coast of Europe. these regions include Northern Portugal, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Burgos, Navarra, the Basque Country, and Nueva Aquitaine.
What is the main goal of the Atlantic Arc Chambers Initiative?
The primary goal is to foster inter-crop and inter-institutional cooperation to address shared economic, social, and environmental challenges, ultimately transforming the region into one that is more competitive, lasting, dynamic, open, and connected.
When was the Atlantic Arc chamber Initiative established?
The initiative was formally established in June 2023 with the signing of the Declaration of the Chambers of Commerce of the Atlantic Arch in Bilbao.
What are the Priority Areas of Focus for the Atlantic Arc Chambers?
The strategic document developed by the Atlantic Arc chambers outlines three priority areas:
- Transport and intermodality:
Railway Atlantic Corridor
Support for intermodality and connectivity of the ports of the Atlantic arc
- Hydrogen corridor and renewable energy:
Hydrogen corridor development
Wind Marina
- The Camino de Santiago as a distinctive element:
Wine tourism
Leisure,nature,and well-being activities
How do these priorities contribute to regional competitiveness?
These priorities aim to:
Improve infrastructure and connectivity,making the region more accessible for businesses and tourists.
Promote sustainable energy sources, enhancing environmental sustainability and creating new economic opportunities.
Leverage cultural assets like the Camino de Santiago to boost tourism and regional identity.
What is the IV Forum of the Atlantic Arc Chambers of Commerce?
The IV Forum of the Atlantic Arc Chambers of Commerce is a gathering aimed at emphasizing the importance of collaboration among chambers, institutions, and companies within the Atlantic region. The forum serves as a platform to discuss challenges, share best practices, and seek support for joint initiatives. The IV Forum was held on March 7, 2025, in Vigo. it focused on addressing issues such as declining competitiveness and diminished regional attractiveness.
who participated in the IV Forum?
Key participants included:
José Luis Bonet,president of the Chamber of Commerce of Spain
José García Costas,president of the Pontevedra comercio Chamber,Vigo y Vilacía de Arousa
Abel caballero,the mayor of Vigo
* Other regional Leaders
What are the Key Challenges Addressed by the Atlantic Arc Chambers?
The Atlantic Arc Chambers have identified five key challenges