Global energy security, foreign investment and trade, particularly the advancement of the Doha Round of trade negotiations, were the focus of discussions when ICC Secretary General Guy Sebban arrived in Madrid and Barcelona last week.
During his visit to ICC Spain, Mr Sebban met with a number of company leaders including, Antonio Brufau, chairman and CEO of Repsol YPF, a major Spanish and Latin American energy supplier; and Rafael Montes Sánchez, executive director of Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas, a construction conglomerate.
Mr Sebban also met with Spain's Minister of Industry, Tourism and Commerce, José Montilla, the presidents of the Chambers of Commerce in both Madrid and Barcelona and the CEOs of many prominent multinationals. The Spanish economic daily, Expansión, covered the visit following an interview with Mr Sebban.
"Hearing directly from national members and business leaders helps ICC identify and address member needs," said Mr Sebban. "These opportunities are also invaluable in ensuring ICC is a well-equipped business advocate on the international stage."
Throughout his two-day visit, Mr Sebban stressed the need to ensure open multilateral trade and identified key ICC activities supporting this aim: protecting intellectual property rights, establishing banking rules and regulations, providing dispute resolution services, and promoting the role of new technologies in reducing the gap between rich and developing nations. He also explained how ICC projects like BASCAP (Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy) and the revision of the ICC Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (UCP 600) are advancing these goals.
"The visit was definitely a success," said ICC Spain's Secretary General Luis Solá. "It enhanced our position as Spain's representative to the world business organization and attracted several important international companies to join us."
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