The Presidency, Economy and Business Minister, Jordi Gallardo, held a meeting on Sunday, March 8th, with the Spanish Industry, Trade and Tourism Minister, Reyes Maroto. The meeting was held in Cal Pal de la Cortinada within the framework of the Ibero-American Meeting of Tourism Ministers which is taking place in Andorra on March 9 and 10. The Ministers reviewed existing collaboration agreements between the two countries and praised their commitment to continue making progress in good bilateral relations, especially in the field of industry and small and medium-sized companies.
Gallardo and Maroto stressed the importance of promoting measures from the administrations in favour of innovation and digital transformation for companies. In Andorra, actions are provided by Actua, the economic promotion agency, and in Spain, ICEX Spain Export and Investment. In this regard, both ministers agreed to strengthen areas of collaboration on those aspects of common interest to both countries.
In addition, both parties agreed to organize a new meeting in Madrid to discuss more technical aspects and analyse a possible collaboration agreement between Actua and ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones, which would allow Andorra to access Spanish experience in market studies, and facilitate attendance at missions or international events in which ICEX participates.
Regarding industrial policy, both delegations will share views on the future of this sector on a global scale, as well as its impact on the education and higher education sectors.
Minister Gallardo highlighted Andorra’s priorities on the projection of the future of the country’s economy, which is the result of a joint introspection between the public and private sectors. He also highlighted the Principality’s experience in the field of innovation, namely in projects such as the Andorra Living Lab, and important agreements with universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
In conclusion, Jordi Gallardo and Reyes Maroto agreed to discuss further possible exchanges between respective patent and trademark offices.
Text and photo: Govern d’Andorra