April 2016 - Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg

Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of ZABALA Innovation Consulting in Brussels

26/04/2016

Last 12th of April, ZABALA Innovation Consulting celebrated the 30th anniversary of the company in Brussels with an event that included the participation of the Director-General for Energy of the European Commission, Dominique Ristori, as well as the collaboration of the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg.

During the event, the Chamber recognized José María Zabala, Founder and CEO of ZABALA Innovation Consulting, for his entrepreneurial spirit and the promotion of innovation in Europe.

About hundred institutional representatives (offices of the Autonomous Communities in Brussels, representatives of the European Commission) as well as representatives from companies with headquarters at the Belgian capital and representatives from European business associations, attended the event.

In recognition of him, the Chamber emphasized the personal and professional worth of José María Zabala, who founded ZABALA Innovation Consulting in 1986. The company started with two employed persons and employs more than 200 professionals distributed among 9 offices nowadays: Pamplona, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Vigo as well as Brussels, London and Paris.

Dominique Ristori declared that “Europe needs creators like José María Zabala who are capable of working with actors from all over Europe. This encourages unity and reunites them for common projects”. Furthermore, he pointed out that innovation and the Energy Union are strategic elements for the future of Europe. In this regard, he emphasized the contribution of ZABALA in the promotion of innovation as a strategic element in companies.

During his speech, José María Zabala went over the track of ZABALA and recalled the fact that Brussels is a place of particular importance for the company since Europe has been present in the DNA of the organization since the beginning. Its specialization in European projects allowed the company to open offices in Brussels in 2003. Since then, its activity in this area has not stopped growing.

The opening of the offices in Brussels was crucial for the international dimension of the company. In particular for the European area, this meant they could reach a return for their clients of 500 million euro of the Seventh Framework Program or they could obtain more than 120 million euro in the second year of application of the Horizon 2020 Program, by leading about 300 projects.

In order to reach these milestones and to manage a portfolio that reaches 1500 clients, ZABALA nowadays consists of a team with an expertise focusing on four large areas: Life Sciences (health, biotechnology, chemistry and agribusiness), Social Challenges (Smart Cities, energy, transportation, environment and socioeconomic issues), Technology (ICT, open data, security, equipment and internet), and the industrial area (Production technologies, industry, processes and products).

The President of FEDECOM participates in the Plenary of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce

25/04/2016

Juan Rodríguez-Villa Matons, President of the Official Spanish Chambers of Commerce in Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania, participated in the Plenary of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, which took place on 19 April in Madrid.

Iberia, Banco Sabadell, Endesa and Alstom España became member of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. With these incorporations the corporate involvement in the Plenary, which is the highest governance body of the institution and in which the 28 largest Spanish companies are represented in their respective sectors, is strengthened.

The President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, José Luis Bonet, highlighted the commitment of the large companies with the institutional project of the Spanish Chamber, which became evident once again with these new incorporations. “The improvement of the competitiveness of SMEs and its internationalization are two strategic objectives of the Spanish Chamber and the leading capacity of the most important companies of the country is essential in order to achieve these objectives”, Bonet emphasized.

The institutional support of the large companies as well as its economic contribution allow the launch of new support programs for the SMEs and entrepreneurs in order to strengthen the Spanish production system and its implementation by means of the 88 Chambers, which ensures the structuring of the territory.

Source: Spanish Chamber of Commerce

Luncheon debate with Román Escolano, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank

22/04/2016

Last Thursday, the 21st of April, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organized a luncheon-debate at “The Hotel” with Román Escolano, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, on “European Funds for Strategic Investments”.

The event counted, among others, on the presence of representatives of various European institutions, lobbyists, members of the Chamber and managers of various Spanish companies.

The event started with a presentation by Juan Rodríguez-Villa Matons, President of the Chamber of Commerce, who presented the speaker to the audience by going over his professional career until his incorporation at the European Investment Bank.

Hereafter, Román Escolano started his lecture by presenting the European Investment Bank. He explained the current role of the EIB in the economy as one of the oldest financial institutions of Europe. He emphasized its nature as a bank in terms of being an institution sensitive to the current economic issues. The EIB is a non-profit organization but is oriented towards obtaining some benefits and providing real value to the market.

The 28 Member States of the European Union are represented at the EIB. Román Escolano presented the breakdown of the capital account in which he emphasized the participation of Spain as one of the major clients in recent years.

During the second part of the presentation, Román Escolano talked about the European Fund for Strategic Investments. By means of this fund they aim to mobilize the private sector and to change the way in which public money is spent. The speaker emphasized at all times the fact that this instrument should not be considered a fund, but a guarantee to attract the private sector.

After the presentation, a question time took place. The attendees raised various doubts to the Vice-President concerning future projects, start-ups and structural funds, among other things. During the answers he emphasized the primary function of the EIB: supporting the real economy by means of bank lending, the combination of different resources and counseling.

The event ended with handing over a gift to Román Escolano on the part of the Chamber in recognition of his efforts at the European Investment Bank.

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Success of the Social Networking Night organized within the framework of the Programa Jóvenes Belux

22/04/2016

Last Thursday, the 14^th of April, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organized the first edition of the Social Networking Night in Brussels. By means of this activity, that took place within the framework of the Programa Jóvenes BeLux, they introduced the young Spanish residents the different available tools for job search, encouraging at the same time networking as a key tool in the search for job opportunities abroad.

María Catalán, Secretary General of the Chamber, welcomed the attendees and presented the event schedule and the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program in which the Chamber is a new local contact point in Belgium and which aims to promote professional experiences among entrepreneurs in Europe.

Likewise, she thanked the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security and BNP Paribas for their support for the Programa Jóvenes. She also expressed her gratitude to the contributors who made the organization of the Social Networking Night possible.

During the event various talks and workshops took place. The talks focused on entrepreneurship, working for European institutions and related entities and the presentation of real experiences concerning the development of a professional career in Belgium.

Estefanía Andreu, representing Everis, gave presentations and advice on how to work for an outsourcing company of the European institutions. Juan Manuel Revuelta, of Finnova, talked about “The EU and self-employment as integration mode”. Finally, César Pla, explained the distinctive features of the EPSO exam as access to the European institutions.

After the first round of talks the workshops started. Ramón López Peláez, manager of the Programa Jóvenes Belux, explained the assistants how to create a good CV and motivational letter to help us find the job we want. It was also the moment to share our doubts when writing our CV. How to prioritize the most important information?, How long should a CV be? What should a good motivational letter contain?, etc.

Philippe Schifflers, Community Manager, explained how to make the most of social media in order to optimize our professional profile and how to obtain work opportunities by means of it. He mainly focused on LinkedIn, an essential tool for job search.

Asier Maquina, employee at Arcelormittal, encouraged the assistants to extend their contact network by means of networking and by putting into practice his advice given during the Social Networking Night.

During the final presentations, which alternately dealt with professional successful cases, José Alonso from Buendía Tours, talked about his experience as entrepreneur in Brussels. It takes a lot of effort to start a new business but you feel so satisfied when you see it grow and consolidate!

Ángel Rebollo, from Atrevia, presented his professional background in Belgium. Being considered a “successful case” because of the evolution of his career, he made clear which difficulties and opportunities the country offers concerning job search. He recommended the youngsters to “insist, persist and resist” when looking for a job and new opportunities.

To end the Social Networking Night, Eduardo Arranz told about his experience when searching a job. He highlighted the importance of never giving up, being very proactive when detecting opportunities and he emphasized the assistance of the Programa Jóvenes Belux.

Finally, the youngsters could interact with the speakers and put the advice they collected during the event into practice during the time devoted to networking.

With a Spanish aperitif and drinks offered by Codorníu, Belgibeer, Mediterranea and Vinespa, we had an entertaining and dynamic day.

We would like to thank all of the attendees, the participants as well as the speakers, who made the event possible. Take a look at the pictures at our Facebook page.

We hope you enjoy your night!

Remember that we are at your service until the end of May for the Programa Jóvenes Belux to help you with your job search. Our contact email is programajovenes@e-camara.com.

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Success of the third edition of the workshops on Social Media Management in European Projects and Business

18/04/2016

On 14 and 15 April the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg celebrated the third edition of the workshops on Social Media Management in European Projects and Business in order to promote the image of companies at the European market.

During the workshops, different subjects related to companies and social networks were dealt with. The figure of the community manager in a company and the different tools at one´s disposal were discussed: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google+… Professor Philippe Schifflers explained how to create a Social Media strategy and how to interact and involve the public.

The workshop was developed in a participatory and dynamic environment in which the participants could get to know the basis of good communication in the company network.

Brussels-Capital Region present at the IMEX exhibition

13/04/2016

Brussels Invest & Export was present at the IMEX fair on 6 and 7 April in Madrid with a delegation representing the Brussels-Capital Region consisting of Ariane Leonard, Economic and Commercial Adviser of the Brussels-Capital Region in Spain, Stefaan Lenaerts, Area Manager Southern Europe & Americas at BIE, María Catalán, Secretary General of the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg, Bert Dehandschutter, lawyer at Racine Advocaten and Jorge Cisneros, CEO of Swan Consulting. The delegation presented Brussels as a key city for the internationalization of European SMEs during the fair.

During its 14th edition, IMEX counted more than 3000 participants and consolidated this way its position as Spain’s largest international business fair.

This meeting brought 60 exhibiting companies together of almost every activity sector. The main support and sponsors came for another year from ICEX, Banco Santander and DHL and the visitors who attended this annual event were mainly professional entrepreneurs, mainly from Spain, that held more than 4000 b2b business meetings with commercial agents from 61 countries.

NH Hotel Group launches its NH Collection brand in the Netherlands

12/04/2016

With the re-opening of three out of twelve Amsterdam NH Hotel Group hotels, the Company’s upper-upscale brand NH Collection has been officially launched in the Netherlands on 7 April.

After a period of refurbishments, NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, NH Collection Doelen and NH Collection Barbizon Palace have been inaugurated as flagship hotels in the presence of CEO Federico J. González Tejera and Managing Director for the Benelux, UK, France and Africa, Maarten Markus. Likewise, the FEDECOM President (Federation of Spanish Chambers of Commerce in Europe-Africa-Asia-Oceania), Juan rodríguez-Villa Matons.

Federico J. González Tejera, Global CEO of NH Hotel Group has personally travelled to Amsterdam to be part of the launch. “We feel very proud of launching three iconic NH Collection hotels today in this key strategic country”, stated González Tejera. “This launch brings us a step closer to our ambition which is that one day, whenever anyone contemplates a trip to a city for an overnight stay or meeting, for business or pleasure, they will always ask themselves if there is an NH at their destination” highlighted the CEO of the Company.

Apart from the three NH Collection Hotels, NH Hotel Group also invests in other Amsterdam properties. Amongst others, NH City Centre Amsterdam and NH Schiphol Airport have been refurbished as well. Also, this summer the construction of nhow Amsterdam RAI will start, which will become the largest hotel of the Benelux with 650 rooms and 91 meters altitude.

“We are continuously working on the optimization and expansion of our NH Hotel Group portfolio. The launch of NH Collection in the Netherlands is the next milestone. The three flagship hotels have been fully refurbished and the results are stunning. Our guests are very thrilled with the new and improved hotels and that is in the end what we are doing all this for: hospitality is our core business,” says Maarten Markus, Managing Director of NH Hotel Group in the Benelux, UK, France and Africa.

Luncheon-debate with Xavier Prats Monné, Director General for Health and Food Safety of the European Commission

06/04/2016

On 5 April the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organized a luncheon-debate in Brussels with Xavier Prats Monné, Director General for Health and Food Safety of the European Commission.

More than 70 persons attended the event, among them representatives of Spanish and European governmental institutions, managers of international companies and lobbyists of the sector.

The President of the Chamber, Juan Rodríguez-Villa, welcomed the attendees and presented the speaker, Xavier Prats Monné, and highlighted his great professional career and the European Institutions.

Hereafter, Xavier Prats Monné started his presentation regarding the prospects of the DG Health and Food Safety and the global Europe 2020 strategy. In his speech he highlighted the importance of Europe ensuring a greater degree of transparency and promoting the exchange of knowledge between the Commission and society.

During Question Time, reference was made to the European economic crisis. Xavier Prats Monné came to a positive conclusion of the current situation of the food industry and pointed out that “We managed to overcome the crisis and we remain an attractive sector for clients”.

Finally, Juan Rodríguez-Villa thanked Xavier Prats, Director General for Health and Food Safety of the European Commission, for his participation by handing over a gift in recognition of his effort for a healthier Europe.

The Chamber would like to thank Pernod Ricard for their collaboration, who were sponsors of the wine of the event.