Page 12 - TRADE2012

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F
orecasts by major international institutions
for 2012 confirm that external demand will
continue to be the engine of growth for the
Spanish economy, with a contribution of 1.6 per-
centage points (OECD) in a global environment in
which the volume of world trade in goods and
services could increase by 5.8% (International
Monetary Fund).
Spanish companies are looking abroad more than
ever. Our neighbour countries, partners within the
European Union, in Latin America, as well as
Mediterranean countries and emerging markets
in Asia offer attractive opportunities that must be
explored. Our businesses, with competitive prod-
ucts and services, are ready to increase their
international business.
Due to its location, Greece has always had strong
economic ties with other countries. Relations with
the Mediterranean basin and the European
Union, the links with United States and Australia,
the easy access to Balkans from the north of the
country and the stability in relationships with
Turkey, present Greece as an ideal commercial
partner, particularly in the service sector, with
tourism and shipping being major industries.
Trade with Greece
10
The evolution of the Spanish economy, already
marked by three years of negative contribution of
domestic developments to GDP growth, requires an
urgent focus on the internationalization of business
as a strategic element for the future of the country
and its economy.
Greece - Spain:
new times,
new opportunities
By Arturo Fernández,
President of the Madrid Chamber of Commerce & Industry