Fira’s presence Barcelona Meeting Point, to name but a abroad, with events few, cannot be underestimated. co-organised in other countries, is an opportunity Activity in other countries for many Catalan The Fira’s international Business Area, and Spanish through its two subsidiary companies companies. Alimentaria exhibitions and Fira de Barcelona international exhibition and Services, continued to be busy abroad. This operation has seen significant growth, and provides backing for Catalan and Spanish companies looking to expand internationally. As stated previously, this section takes in Smart City expo World Congresses in the health sector, among others, around the world organised jointly with highlights included the congresses of the local institutions and organisations. it european Gastroenterology Society (UeG highlights the global concern over the Week), the european Burns Association future of urban agglomerations. This is the (eBA) and the european Magnetic case of Buenos Aires (Argentina), Puebla Resonance Society (eSMRMB), and (Mexico), Casablanca (Morocco) and particularly the european Congress of Kyoto (Japan). Cardiology (held regularly at Fira), which Thanks to Fira de Barcelona’s brought together 30,000 professionals. agreements with Cuban state company On this occasion, the emphasis was Palco, Havana hosted the specialist trade put on innovation. fairs HostelCuba, dedicated to equipment Other high-profile international for hotels, restaurants and tourism meetings were World Routes, with services; and PacGraf Cuba, specialising representatives of airlines, airports and in packing and packaging, both organised governments from all over the world; jointly with the Cuban company. and the inTA (international Trademark Several shows were co-organised Association) meeting, stressing the value at the doha convention centre, where Fira of brands bringing together more than partnered several shows: Qatar Motor 10,000 professionals. Show, the most important automotive Still on the topic of shows and events event in the Middle east; Made at Home organised by external operators, the exhibition, showcasing the potential success of the Còmic and Manga shows, of Qatar’s industry; and Moushtarayat, with record attendance numbers, Sónar, focusing on the role of small and medium international Logistics exhibition and enterprises in the country’s development. BALAnCe — 33