Tool for moving forward Àngels Chacón i Feixas Minister of Business and Knowledge of the Government of Catalonia and First Vice President of the General Council of Fira de Barcelona I am writing these introductory words for the commercial relations, promote innovation and 2017 Report of Fira de Barcelona just a few knowledge, and forge business alliances in days after taking up the position of Minister of a global and highly competitive world. Business and Knowledge of the Government of Meetings such as the Mobile World Congress, Catalonia and as such, the first vice-presidency Smart City expo World Congress, Alimentaria, of the General Council of the trade fair institution. industry Week or Barcelona Bridal Week, to First and foremost, i would like to stress name just a few, all serve to strengthen the the importance that Fira de Barcelona business fabric and the creation of synergies. has for the city, its surrounding area and Catalonia as a whole, as a motor for economic Pact for the Industry activity, a meeting place for companies We are undergoing a rapid transformation and entrepreneurs, and a driver of the of our productive system. This involves internationalisation of our industrial and operating in highly competitive markets commercial fabric. The data about shows, and responding to the need for high-quality congresses and events held, professional training and qualification for people and for visitors, results and social and economic companies, as well as a commitment to be impact on the region speak for themselves. inclusive. i believe that the effort made by Open to the world, Fira is a huge showcase Fira de Barcelona to help respond to the thanks to the shows and events that take challenges of digitalisation and industry 4.0 place at the Montjuïc and Gran Via venues, should be valued highly. as well as the fairs that it co-organises in cities in this sense, the national Pact for the around the world. These provide an opening industry promoted by the Government of for Catalan companies, traditionally exporters Catalonia is a tool that should allow us to move and seekers of foreign markets, as well as for forward on the right path. Spanish and European firms. i would like to take this opportunity to The range of events organised or hosted stress the value of institutional collaboration, by Fira are a good example of our industry’s which has contributed and contributes international vocation. From the automotive decisively to the success of Fira de sector to applied chemistry, technology, Barcelona, as well as the importance of construction, food and fashion, today more shared strategies to help our society progress than ever fairs are an opportunity to build in the creation of wealth and well-being. 8 — FiRA de BARCeLOnA | 2017 RePORT