Forinvest Alicante: Calls for Stability, Respect for Ferrovial, and a Plan to Close Infrastructure Gaps
The president of the CEOE, Antonio Garamendi, urged political stability and moderate policies as essential elements to support the rebound of the economy and the resilience of businesses across the country. Speaking at the Forinvest conference in Alicante, he underscored the importance of respecting Ferrovial’s decision to relocate its headquarters to the Netherlands, framing it as a strategic corporate move within the European marketplace. Garamendi articulated a clear expectation that public authorities recognize the impact of regulatory and political environments on the performance of companies, especially during a period when many sectors are navigating post-crisis adjustments and ongoing supply-chain challenges. He stressed that stability is a prerequisite for investment, hiring, and long-term planning, and he encouraged policymakers to foster an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive without unnecessary friction.
In Alicante, the city hosted the first edition of the Forinvest conference, an occasion marked by official participation at the highest levels. The event was inaugurated by the Spanish Finance Minister, Arcadi, with Garamendi taking an active role in a roundtable alongside Salvador Navarro, president of the CEV. The national association of employers, under Garamendi’s leadership, conveyed a measured critique of attempts to politicize the business sector. The message was simple and direct: what companies require most is clarity and predictability in legal and regulatory frameworks, coupled with steady political signals that help them plan for the future. The remarks also touched on the sentiment within the business community regarding current public discourse, emphasizing that empresarios and entrepreneurs contribute to wealth creation and must not be disparaged or unfairly blamed for broader economic outcomes.
Garamendi went further to defend Ferrovial, highlighting that a substantial portion of the company’s activities occurs outside of Spain and within the European Union. He emphasized that Ferrovial’s strategic moves are consistent with a broader continental footprint, and that relocating to the Netherlands should be understood as a decision grounded in economic logic rather than a withdrawal from Spanish markets. The stance aimed to reassure stakeholders that Ferrovial will continue to operate within the European Union and maintain a robust presence in international projects. The notion presented was that the Netherlands, as a neighboring EU member state, is a partner country with longstanding economic ties, not a tax haven; this distinction is crucial for maintaining trust among investors, employees, and clients alike.
Salvador Navarro, for his part, lauded the open and constructive nature of social dialogue within the Valencian Community. He used the platform to call attention to infrastructure deficits that continue to challenge Alicante and the wider region. Navarro argued that addressing these gaps requires coordinated national and regional efforts, with a shared agenda that aligns government investment, private sector participation, and the needs of local communities. The emphasis was on pragmatic, collaborative action: identifying bottlenecks, prioritizing critical projects, and mobilizing resources in a way that accelerates construction timelines, creates jobs, and enhances the overall competitiveness of the area. The discussion also touched on how infrastructure upgrades could unlock additional economic activity and improve the quality of life for residents across the province and beyond.
The event, seen as a barometer of business sentiment, underscored a recurring theme: stability in policy and predictability in regulatory processes are essential for sustaining economic momentum. Attendees from business and industry noted that reliable frameworks reduce risk, encourage investment, and enable companies to make longer-term commitments that have positive ripple effects on employment and regional development. The dialogue between government representatives, business leaders, and regional authorities signaled a shared recognition that collaboration is key to overcoming existing infrastructure challenges while maintaining a healthy business climate conducive to growth and innovation. In summary, the Alicante gathering reinforced the belief that steady governance, responsible corporate behavior, and targeted investments in infrastructure form a triumvirate capable of guiding Spain toward a durable economic recovery. The focus remains on aligning political actions with the practical needs of the private sector and the communities that rely on robust networks to move goods, services, and people efficiently through the country. The ongoing commitment is clear: foster a stable environment where businesses can prosper, while ensuring that strategic infrastructure projects receive timely attention and effective implementation across regions.