Leaders from industry and finance gathered in Girona for the second and final roundtable accompanying the launch of the new asset presentation. The attendees included the head of PGI Engineering, Aina Juliol; the chief executive officer Frit Ravich; J. Udith Viader, a senior figure at the Eurofirms Group; and Jaume Dulsat, the business director for CaixaBank’s regional Catalonia management groups. They shared a clear message: growing businesses in today’s climate require greater operational flexibility and faster administrative processes. Their aim was to press institutions to make regulatory and bureaucratic pathways smoother so companies can expand with less friction.
Juliol opened the event with a standout focus on one project that embodies the firm’s aspirations. He signaled a commitment to long-term, ambitious milestones, saying that while the team may not claim responsibility for the Sagrada Familia’s inception, they intend to contribute to completing visions of similar scale by 2026, should the plan stay on track. He stressed the daily need for a culture built on effort, continuous innovation, growth, and steadfast commitment. This ethos, he argued, is essential for any business hoping to endure and thrive over time.
Viader, taking the floor in a relaxed and approachable tone, balanced optimism with realism. He observed that in cinema as in business, the villains are often portrayed as the cutthroat executives, while the heroes are true entrepreneurs who pursue constructive change. He underscored the pivotal role of the agri-food sector in the global economy, noting its resilience through the pandemic and its continued significance in Girona. Viader called on institutions to recognize the sector’s value and to offer support that helps it sustain momentum and adapt to evolving conditions.
On the topic of costs, Viader acknowledged that there was a period when increasing expenses could not be curbed. He pointed to the wartime price pressures as a major influence, yet observed that these effects have begun to stabilize. In his view, difficult moments spark creativity, and the experience has accelerated the digitalization initiatives already underway at his company. The executive emphasized that sustainability must be embedded across the entire supply chain, not limited to environmental concerns but extending to every link in the business process. The goal is to build resilient operations that can weather shocks while maintaining responsible practices.
Ravich, bringing his perspectives from the consumer goods sector, highlighted how the current climate has nudged companies toward faster digital adoption and more agile planning. He described an ongoing shift toward smarter use of data, streamlined procurement, and closer alignment with market needs. The emphasis on sustainability extended beyond environmental factors to include governance and social considerations that influence long-term value creation. Ravich argued that digital tools, when applied thoughtfully, enable better product development, faster time to market, and more responsive customer service.
Dulsat commented on changing workforce dynamics, noting that expectations evolve with each generation. He observed that the appeal of a job today goes beyond salary. People increasingly want flexible schedules, opportunities to work remotely, and a sense of purpose and belonging within an organization. He highlighted the importance of creating a work environment where employees feel they are part of something meaningful, not just a wage earner. The discussion pointed to a broader trend: employers must align organizational culture with evolving employee priorities to attract and retain talent.
Throughout the conversation, the panelists touched on broader societal needs. They described a future where Girona capitalizes on its regional strengths—industrial capacity and a diversified tourism sector that extends beyond peak seasons. The speakers suggested that continued investment in infrastructure, logistics, and digital capabilities would create new opportunities for production centers and regional development. By fostering collaboration between industry players and public authorities, the region can pursue growth with an emphasis on sustainability and resilience.
From CaixaBank’s vantage point, Antonio Asensio outlined two sectors with notable momentum: pork production and tourism. He noted that Girona’s tourism campaigns have been effective in attracting visitors this summer and highlighted the growing importance of international clients. Asensio stressed the bank’s commitment to steering funds away from unsustainable activities, aiming to support sound investments that generate durable economic benefits while reducing environmental and social risks.