AVEs Valencia Assembly Highlights a Strong Business Voice
General Assembly Valencia Entrepreneurs Association (AVE) has faced sharp criticism from some leaders toward the business community, notably targeting the association and its president, Juan Roig of Mercadona. Some detractors also questioned the leadership of AVE president Vicente Boluda, suggesting that the timing of the elections influenced motives. The message from AVE and its allies was clear: they believe in private initiative and the value of entrepreneurship for regional growth.
The call for support came from the Generalitat’s president, Ximo Puig, who joined business leaders in stressing the importance of close collaboration between authorities and employers. Puig described the business world as a driver of development and warned against caricatures that undermine the role of entrepreneurs. He emphasized that prosperity relies on companies, on quality employment, and on strategic projects that advance education and innovation, noting that without business activity there would be fewer jobs and fewer equal opportunities.
Further, Puig highlighted significant investment efforts, including Volkswagen’s gigafactory project in the Valencia region, underscoring the strategic importance of major family-owned businesses represented by AVE.
Earlier, AVE’s head, Vicente Boluda, reviewed the organization’s impact. He noted that 180 member partners contribute to mutual billing that accounts for a substantial share of the region’s GDP and that AVE-related companies employ hundreds of thousands of people. Boluda framed the current electoral moment as a distraction used by some parties to undermine business leaders, arguing that such attacks stem from a lack of belief in private enterprise.
In Boluda’s view, the way forward is to stay focused on job creation, team leadership, and the promotion of a strong business culture that supports societal progress and prosperity. He urged a calmer political environment and called for respect for institutions and the separation of powers. He also rejected attempts to pit business people against workers, advocating constructive engagement instead.
In the discussion, the focus shifted to regional infrastructure and a shared national approach to accelerate key projects, including the Mediterranean Corridor, as part of a broader policy framework to support recovery and growth.
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The assembly also welcomed new AVE partners, such as Tony Mayor, former president of the Hosbec Hotel Managers Association and owner of Port Hotels, expanding a network of Alicante-based business leaders like Adolfo Utor, Pedro López, Enrique Riquelme, Pablo Serna, Antonio Arias, Gianni Cecchin, and Jose Juan Fornés, among others. Mait Anton, president of the Alicante Family Business Association, was also noted as part of this extended group. Ministers, including Puig and other regional actors, participated in discussions along with political leaders like Raphael Climent, Arcadi Spain, and Carlos Mazón, among others.
New Generation Funds were on the agenda as well. It was observed that about 80% of AVE members do not participate in projects financed by Next Generation Funds. The main reasons cited were perceived inaccessibility, information gaps, and unclear processes for accessing these resources. A survey of attendees at AVE’s parliamentary meeting in Valencia highlighted the hurdles to securing Brussels-backed recovery funds.
Despite these challenges and concerns about inflation and rising rates, the outlook for Valencia’s large family businesses remains hopeful. Sixty-two percent of those surveyed plan to expand employment, with another 32% confirming ongoing hiring plans. In contrast, many firms anticipate steady or improved conditions in the national and regional economy, though they call for policy measures to stimulate activity and support new ventures.
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The assembly also revealed that up to 80% of members expect to increase investments in Spain, with 70% planning to reinvest profits. Political instability in Spain remains a concern among AVE members, who anticipate another year of volatility in national and regional governance. Yet a large share believes that the economic trajectory could hold steady or improve if policy measures promote growth, investment, and job creation.
Across the room, optimism persisted: the business community remains committed to sustaining momentum, aligning with regional targets for education, innovation, and the creation of opportunities that empower families and communities to prosper.