IPDAL held the XI Ibero-American Business Meeting, a forum that once again brought together public decision-makers, business leaders and representatives of international organisations to analyse key topics on the Ibero-American economic agenda, with a particular focus on the Mercosur–European Union Association Agreement and its implications for the private sector.

The opening session featured remarks by Paulo Neves, President of IPDAL, Ignacio Salafranca, Vice-President of the EuroAmerica Foundation, and Ángel Cárdenas from the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF). This was followed by the presentation of the report “Analysis of the Implications of the Mercosur–European Union Association Agreement”, based on the study prepared by Dante Sica, former Minister of Production and Trade of Argentina, at IPDAL’s request. The report discussion was led by Andrés Malamud, Senior Researcher at ICS – University of Lisbon, with the participation of the Mercosur Ambassadors in Portugal. The session was moderated by Gastón Ocampo, Secretary-General of IPDAL.

The morning continued with an interactive session dedicated to the practical impacts of the agreement on the private sector, introduced by Rogério Gouveia, President and CEO of the Madeira Development Society. The discussion brought together Maria Jimena Durán (CAF), Paulo Rios de Oliveira (AICEP), Rafael Rocha (CIP) and Filipe Martins (Portuguese Industrial Association), who analysed challenges and opportunities for Iberian and Latin American businesses.

The institutional closing session featured the notable participation of João Rui Ferreira, Portugal’s Secretary of State for the Economy, who emphasised the importance of Ibero-American economic dialogue and highlighted the role of the Mercosur–EU Agreement in enhancing the competitiveness of Portuguese companies. Contributions were also made by Ambassador Mário Godinho de Matos, representing the Portuguese Order of Economists, and Paulo Neves, President of IPDAL. The event concluded with a networking session that provided an opportunity to deepen connections between public officials, business leaders and diplomatic representatives.

The XI Ibero-American Business Meeting consolidated IPDAL’s role as a platform for economic and diplomatic dialogue, promoting cooperation between Europe and Latin America and contributing to the strengthening of an integrated Ibero-American strategy.