The unemployment data and Social Security affiliation for the month of September reflect a positive evolution, with a decrease in the former by 26,329 people and an increase in the latter by 84,013 affiliates, which shows the enormous effort of the business sector and individuals workers to regain economic normality and return to activity, in an environment of great uncertainty marked by the outbreaks of Covid-19 and the restrictions to contain the pandemic.

However, it cannot be ignored that in one year unemployment has increased by 696,774 people and there are 447,062 fewer affiliates, having lost 947,896 affiliates at the most critical moments of the pandemic, of which 447,367 have recovered between May and September.

The ERTEs data corroborate a slowdown in the recovery of activity compared to previous months; while in July the number of activated workers evolved at a rate of 39% and in August of 27.36%, in September it was only 10.28%.

Likewise, the numbers of workers in ERTE reveal a heterogeneous behavior in this recovery, which represents the greatest difficulty in some territories and sectors to return to normality. Thus, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands register the highest coverage rates of ERTEs and it is where fewer workers have left them, 48.83% in the Balearic Islands and 62.34% in the Canary Islands, due to their enormous dependence on international tourism strongly affected by mobility restrictions.

Likewise, the coverage rates of ERTEs in hotels, commerce and cultural and leisure and entertainment activities in general are very high, being the sectors of activity that are suffering with the greatest intensity the effects of the sanitary containment measures adopted as a result of the evolution of the pandemic, compared to the advance, in terms of unemployment and affiliation, that most sectors present. This situation is also reflected in the drop in year-on-year membership, which stood at 16.76% in hospitality and in artistic, recreational and entertainment activities at 12.38%.

Therefore, there is still a long way to go to recover the employment levels prior to the crisis and the normality of the activity in some sectors and territories, which shows the success of the accompanying measures adopted in the Third Defense Agreement of Employment focused on those most affected by the crisis.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism of the Government of Spain, Reyes Maroto, and the Chilean Minister of Agriculture, Antonio Walker, closed the II Meeting of the Chile-Spain Business Council, in which the opportunities, challenges and challenges in the agri-food sector, in the logistics chain and in distribution in both markets. In the opening session, the co-chairs of said Board took part, that is, the vice president of CEOE and president of CEPYME, Gerardo Cuerva, on the Spanish side; and the elective councilor of SOFOFA and director of the National Society of Agriculture, Andrés Montero, on the Chilean side.

The meeting, aimed at Chilean and Spanish businessmen with interests fundamentally in the agri-food sector, logistics and distribution in both countries (and in collaboration with third parties), aimed to present the policies and support tools implemented from the respective governments to face the pandemic, as well as analyze the main challenges and opportunities in terms of sustainability, digitization, internationalization and global value chains. To address these issues in depth, the president of the Agrarian Association of Young Farmers (ASAJA), Pedro Barato; the economist and counselor of the National Society of Agriculture, Jorge Quiroz; the general director of the Spanish Federation of Food and Beverage Industries (FIAB), Mauricio García de Quevedo; and the General Manager of Happag Lloyd Chile, Christian Seydewitz. On the other hand, the general manager of Bodegas Torres (Spanish company), Miguel Torres, and the general manager of Hortifruit, S.A. (Chilean company), Juan Ignacio Allende, spoke about the experience of their companies in both markets.

Opening

The Spanish president of the Chile-Spain Business Council, vice president of CEOE and president of CEPYME, Gerardo Cuerva, recalled that since its reactivation act last June, the Council has not stopped working to represent business interests, expanding and deepening the economic and commercial relations between the two countries. Cuerva stressed that the pandemic has highlighted the importance of the agri-food sector, logistics and distribution and vindicated the need for the Administrations to defend agro-industrial companies. In fact, he continued, at the Business Summit “Spanish Companies Leading the Future”, held in June, the experts bet on promoting public-private collaboration in this sector, addressing issues such as the creation in the field of a public-private consortium that promote and export Spanish products. The CEOE vice president also assured that it is essential that digitization reaches the agricultural world effectively and insisted on the need to promote tax breaks in the agri-food sector, as well as help lines to return to activity. In short, he stressed, special attention should be paid to the rural world and the food and beverage sector, since they are priority sectors, not only for their work as an essential service during these months, but for their weight in GDP, in the creation of of employment, in exports and in SMEs. In his speech, Cuerva took the opportunity to convey a message from the Spanish ambassador to Chile, Enrique Ojeda, to show all his support for the Business Council, the development of relations between the two countries and his willingness to increase opportunities in key sectors, especially in the agri-food, logistics and distribution sectors.

The president on the Chilean side, elective counselor of SOFOFA and director of the National Society of Agriculture, Andrés Montero, assured during the opening that Spain and Chile have privileged climates for agribusiness and the production of quality food, as well as an infrastructure adequate to develop efficient logistics. "Different hemispheres allow us to complement a wide offer to satisfy demanding markets," he said. Montero explained that Chilean wine and fruit have gained a relevant space in developed markets and stressed that "we have a lot to share, we have many projects to carry out and together we would do better." Montero opted to increase investment in agribusiness, in complementary logistics and in irrigation works, so necessary to increase production; and work together in the search for innovative solutions to common problems, to ensure the production of products of the highest quality in a world that increasingly demands healthy and safe food. "The future is ours, it depends on us," he said.

The Chilean ambassador to Spain, Roberto Ampuero, for his part, highlighted the excellent commercial relations between the two countries, driven by a common culture and language, by international cooperation and market freedom. He also stressed that the private sector will play an irreplaceable role in the post-pandemic phase and when it comes to regaining confidence in global value chains. "Spanish entrepreneurs will always find the doors open to explore new opportunities in the Andean country," he said.

Organization and complementarity of the agri-food sector and the logistics and distribution system in Chile and Spain

The president of the Agrarian Association of Young Farmers (ASAJA), Pedro Barato, reported that in Spain there are approximately 3,000 agricultural cooperatives and more than 30,000 agri-food companies and the value of this sector amounts to more than 52.00 billion euros. Because of the pandemic, Barato reported, there is a complicated situation regarding the profitability of exports and sectors such as wine or oil have been particularly affected. In his opinion, the value chain in the agri-food sector should be more equitable, distributing the benefits equally between the producer, the one who transforms the product and the one who markets it, so, in his opinion, in a global world the rules of the game must be clearer and fairer. With regard to bilateral relations, Chile and Spain complement each other perfectly, he said, and "we should take advantage of the existing network of agreements to access third markets, such as the Pacific, to reach the Asian continent", he considered.

The economist and advisor of the National Society of Agriculture, Jorge Quiroz, highlighted some of the competitive advantages of the Chilean economy, such as the Mediterranean climate, phytosanitary heritage, prestige as an exporting country and trade agreements; the proper functioning of land and water products and markets; 100% coverage of drinking water, low country risk or the growing adoption of clean energy. "Chilean and Spanish products and services can be complemented, thanks to innovation and improvement in production techniques."

The general director of the Spanish Federation of Food and Beverage Industries (FIAB), Mauricio García de Quevedo, stressed that this area is the first industrial sector in the country, since it reaches 120 billion in turnover, represents between 18 and 20% from the manufacturing industry and 15% from the industrial sector. In addition, he stressed, it generates half a million direct jobs and 2.5 million induced jobs with sustained growth in the last 8 years. "Our relationship with Chile is very good, we are partners and friends, and we should deepen the complementarity of products and markets," he considered. The Covid, he added, has accelerated the processes of digitization and ecommerce, eliminating purely online consumers and increasing mixed shoppers. In addition, it reported that agreements are being signed with last-mile platforms, delivery and with new logistics platforms. "We are a safe, healthy sustainable talented and reliable industry," he emphasized.

The general manager of Happag Lloyd Chile, Christian Seydewitz, spoke of the logistics and distribution system, and highlighted that the transport from Chile to Spain is mainly carried out in containers. "Chilean container exports from southern Europe represent 3.6% of the total, and 1.4% of this 3.6% corresponds to Spain," he reported. On the other hand, he stressed that transit times play an important role in distribution, since the shorter the transit, the better the fruit will arrive. In this sense, Seydewitz explained that transit times to Spain are around 30 days, with the fastest port being Algeciras, with a 23-day transit option. In his opinion, Chile's logistics capacity is also improving more and more.

Business experience

The general director of Bodegas Torres (a Spanish company), Miguel Torres, assured that Chile is a paradise for viticulture, with extraordinary quality for agricultural products. In addition, he said, from the first day they settled in the Andean country, the company received a lot of help and facilities. "Governments have understood that growth is the key to progress, and this has given companies great security," he stated. From Spain, he explained, new technologies for winemaking were brought, and Chile demonstrated its great ability to adapt to all innovative techniques. Torres also reported that the greatest challenge of all is climate change, even in times of Covid, since the increase in temperatures draws a very different world. "It is key to drastically reduce the carbon footprint in all sectors and carry out the decarbonization of the economy," he stressed. In this sense, he assured that Bodegas Torres have reduced their carbon footprint by 30% and in 2050 they aspire to be carbon neutral.

The general manager of the Chilean company Hortifruit S.A., Juan Ignacio Allende, reported that the company produces in 8 countries and its sales in the 2019-2020 season amounted to 568 million dollars, largely thanks to agricultural sales. Innovation and genetics allowed to produce in areas closer to the equator, and according to Allende, currently it can be produced every day of the year in different areas. The company, he explained, has 4 subsidiaries in Spain, which represents a hub for operational management and management in Europe, with an investment of more than 18 million. In addition, he assured that Madrid has become a strategic city for doing business, to which is added the high technical level of the country and the validity of its human resources.

Support policies from governments

The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism of Spain, Reyes Maroto, focused on the existing support plans and measures for the agri-food, logistics and distribution sectors, since they are all strategic, not only for our economy, but also for the Spain brand. This area has been, according to the Minister, an example of solidarity, guaranteeing the tranquility of consumers, supplying the population and satisfying the most urgent needs of the country. The agri-food industry, he stressed, has not only been able to maintain the volume of its exports during the pandemic, but they have even increased, as in the case of the fruit and vegetable sector.

Maroto assured that one of the biggest challenges the sector had to face was internationalization, even though it has very solid foundations. In fact, the sector's exports exceeded 50,000 million euros in 2019, thus maintaining sustained growth for 20 consecutive years. In this sense, he added that 6 out of 10 companies export regularly and mentioned some of the main support instruments so that companies can continue to expand. In the Action Plan for the Internationalization of the Spanish Economy 2021-22, the Minister explained, three priority axes are contemplated: preserving the productive fabric, with special attention to SMEs, mitigating the impact of the crisis on the foreign sector and promoting an image of Spain associated with competitiveness and excellence; ensure that the foreign sector is configured as a pillar of growth and employment, favoring the diversification of exports and the establishment of our companies in strategic sectors and destinations; and to enhance the resilience capacity of the foreign sector when export activity returns to normal, with sufficient instruments appropriate to its needs that allow it to resist possible outbreaks or new pandemics.

On the other hand, Maroto also emphasized digitization, sustainability and market diversification, as the main challenges for our companies to increase their competitiveness abroad. In this sense, "Spain Digital 2025" is one of the measures implemented to promote the digital transformation of the country as one of the fundamental levers to relaunch economic growth, and "Spain Food Nation" is a campaign carried out by ICEX to promote the international commercialization of Spanish foods. Finally, Reyes Maroto, highlighted the great work that the Chile-Spain Business Council is doing since its reactivation.

The Chilean Minister of Agriculture, Antonio Walker, pointed out that the Andean country is a great supplier of sustainable products and healthy foods, since they focus on factors such as quality, conditions, taste, safety and traceability to satisfy the niche markets. Likewise, he insisted on the importance of having sustainable forestry production, being carbon neutral and trying to seek a social impact through the sector to improve living conditions. In addition, he stressed, "agriculture wants to be part of climate change and not the cause of it."

Walker reported that exports of the agri-food industry to Spain amount to 177 million dollars, while imports reach 126 million. The sector employs a million people directly and another million indirectly, and represents about 11% of the national GDP. In addition, he highlighted, Chile maintains 29 free trade agreements with 65 countries, which means access to 86.3% of world GDP and 64.1% of consumers. According to the Minister, the Andean country is very open to international markets, not only towards America, but also towards Asian countries, where exports reach 7.1 billion dollars, mainly to destinations such as China or Vietnam. Finally, Walker explained that the Ministry focuses on various lines of action to promote the agri-food sector, such as associativity, rural development, food security or sustainability, among other factors.

The event was closed by the Vice President of the Government for Economic Affairs, Nadia Calviño, who insisted on the need for: "The urgent thing does not prevent us from seeing what is important: gender equality, ecological transition and territorial cohesion." "This crisis has valued visible sectors, such as the police or health, but also others that were not as visible as the care sector, which is eminently female." "Economic recovery must attend to social sustainability." “If we are going to have to issue more debt, we cannot weigh down the future of the new generations; we must continue to invest in their future ”.

The inauguration was given by the President of CEOE, Antonio Garamendi, that in his speech he valued “The importance of reaching agreements, because that shows that Civil Society exists, exists” Garamendi also pointed out that: “Equality is achieved when we remove stereotypes and with blind eyes we choose the person who is prepared. Men and women are equal, we have to put this approach on the table to reach 5050 for the future. "

The President of 50 & 50 Gender Leadership, Gloria Lomana, assured in her speech that: "A new concept of more sustainable, responsible and egalitarian Leadership has been born that requires values ​​and commitments from us."

20 Outstanding business and political leaders have shared their experiences and the most inspiring keys to success for new female leaders.

The protagonists of this Conference have also been the #ChicasImparables, young adolescents participating in the Youth and Leadership program, promoted by 50 & 50 GL

This event has made it possible to visualize the importance of female leadership and the commitment of companies to diversity and equality, as an opportunity for them. The great objective, according to the president of 50 & 50 Gloria Lomana, is to achieve more sustainable leadership.

The Conference began at 10:00 a.m. and ended at 12:30 p.m. The event was broadcast live through the 50 & 50 GL website and through YouTube. It could also be followed up to the minute on the consultancy's social networks.

50 & 50 Gender Leadership is an Equality Consultant specialized in female leadership and in the purpose of shortening the deadlines for the achievement of full equality, engaging both companies, corporations and public institutions in this task. 50 & 50 GL works from the conviction that no democratic and honest society can wait a century to achieve effective equality between women and men.

During the Summit, the President of EY, Federico Linares, shared an exciting "hand in hand" with Rami Aboukhair, CEO of Banco Santander Spain.

The debate was a unique experience to listen to their opinions, based on their own experience, about what women add up to in companies. Rami Aboukhair opted for the new leaders, recalling that: “Until 1981 in our country a woman could not open an account without the authorization of her father, husband or tutor; That is why the bank created the “Generation 81” program to “Promote female talent, strengthen women's leadership, increase their participation in decision-making spheres and establish solid models that help us break gender stereotypes, through training, promoting professional careers and fostering entrepreneurship in women. women". He also pointed out “it is necessary for each of us, from our scope of action, to establish corrective measures and policies that promote work-life balance. That is why at Banco Santander we support diversity and whenever there is a vacancy, at least, there must be a woman's resume to fill it ”. "We want to give you training, support your projects and promote your entrepreneurship"he pointed to finish.

For its part, Federico Linares explained that “The leadership study we have just published on this pandemic shows that the new reality of business and the need for flexible work environments lead us to a model of a humanistic, digital and knowledgeable leader of the industry. He stands out for his human qualities, communication skills and effective team building. Furthermore, it is relevant that the report indicates that women feel as much or more prepared than men for new challenges: they show more self-confidence and their profile is more in line with the new leader's capabilities, including digital ones ”.

The survey, referred by Federico Linares and carried out by EY, it is titled: "Can uncertainty become the best leadership opportunity? Report Leadership in the new reality ". The Report was carried out anonymously from a selection of companies and points out both the problems and possible solutions to inequality between the sexes in companies. Jaime Sol, People Advisory Services for Hey, e Hildur Eir Jónsdóttir, Director Assurance Hey, revealed that 70% of business leaders feel prepared to face the challenges of the future. Also that, from the age of 45, women break the glass ceiling, showing levels of self-confidence higher than those of men.

Mapfre, another of the promoters of this event, is a company committed to the Sustainable Development Goals, which includes, as a primary challenge, that of achieving equality between men and women. For this purpose, it implements Diversity and Equal Opportunity policies that are based on respect for the individuality of people and the recognition of their heterogeneity, as well as promoting reconciliation measures among its employees.

Your president, Antonio Huertas, he assured during a debate with Marta Martinez, President of IBM Spain, moderated by Maria Vega, a journalist for El Español, that: “The pandemic should not stop everything we have achieved so far regarding the full incorporation of women at all levels of society. European funds have to serve to accelerate this process and one of the routes is employment, especially that of 'millennials', where there is at least 50% of female talent ready to take over. " The President of IBM Spain, encouraged the girls to lose their fear of technology: "Do what you want, but do not be afraid of technology careers."

Santander Bank, which hosted this II Women and Leadership Conference in its auditorium, has always shown the explicit commitment of its Senior Management to equal opportunities and the implementation of an inclusive culture within the company. In 2007 he signed the First Equality Plan for the financial sector. It already has more women than men in its workforce and among its initiatives to promote diversity are the elimination of salary inequality, mentoring programs for women and measures to facilitate motherhood and support parents.

In this II Conference, voices such as those of Maria Jesus Almazor, CEO of Telefónica España who, together with Pilar Martínez-Cosentino, Executive Vice President of Grupo Cosentino, Hortensia Roig, President of EDEM School of Entrepreneurs, and Marieta jimenez, Vice President in Europe of Merck shared a space for conversation on: "The vision of women as leaders of business, entrepreneurship and training" moderated by the President of the CEOE Foundation Fatima Banez. The latter valued data such as that "90 percent of the companies that are created fail, but 70 percent of the 'StartUps' that women start up succeed." Marieta jimenez He commented that: "Science will help us find a way out of this crisis, but as a society we must have the courage to reflect on what we are not doing well in the health field."

Maria Batet, Academic Director of the Youth and Leadership Programs #Girls, was realizing, throughout the entire II Day, a mural drawing on the topics discussed, which at the end of the event was projected on the Auditorium screen, to the great ovation of the attendees.