The Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognizes the effort during the pandemic

This Thursday, the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognised the effort that all the companies working on both sides of the Atlantic have made this year to "face the challenges that have arisen during the pandemic", during its annual gala which was held for the first time in a telematic way.

"The companies of this community have contributed and continue to contribute significantly to the economic growth of Spain and the United States, as well as to the improvement of trade relations between the two countries," said the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chamber, Alan Salomont, during his speech.

During its annual celebration, the Chamber usually distinguishes a businessman who has "made a significant contribution to improving economic relations between the two countries". However, given the circumstances, this year it has decided to "recognise the Spain-US business network as a whole for its ability to meet the challenges that have arisen during the pandemic".

The gala, which brought together around one hundred representatives from the worlds of finance, business, politics, culture and social sectors in both countries, was attended by, among others, the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, who in a recorded speech expressed his conviction that trade relations between the two countries will be strengthened under the administration of Joe Biden, who will take office on 20 January.

"In 2021 a new stage begins and I am convinced that the new US Administration will create the conditions for trade relations between our countries to be strengthened and consolidated", said Sánchez.

The head of the executive, who stressed that the path that unites both countries is one of "cooperation and multilateralism", emphasised the negative consequences of the pandemic on the economies of both countries and pointed out that, according to the OECD, the fall in the US Gross Domestic Product in 2020 will be 3.7%, while Spain's will be in the double digits, with 11.2%.

However, he wanted to emphasise the recovery expected for next year, with a rise of 3.2% for the US economy and between 7.2% and 9.8% in the case of Spain.

The event was also attended by the Spanish ambassador to the United States, Santiago Cabanas, and the US ambassador to Spain, Duke Buchan III, who both sent video messages.

Buchan, who said he felt 'only half a guiri' in Spain, stressed that the United States is the largest investor in Spain, and that Spanish investment grew by 9 billion dollars in just two years, between 2017 and 2019.

The Chairman of Repsol, Antonio Brufau, and the US Congressman from Texas, Joaquín Castro, were other speakers at the gala, which included a virtual tasting of wines from La Rioja wineries in the Haro Station District, sent out to the participants, and which concluded with the performance of the White Christmas song by the Spanish artist, Ainhoa Arteta.