Alfonso Re-elected CEOE Tenerife President, Targets Competitiveness

The CEOE Tenerife General Assembly began by observing a minute of silence. This was done to honour the victims of the tragic train accident in Adamuz (Córdoba) and to show respect and solidarity.

The Assembly, guided by the motto "Pride of belonging," re-elected the current leadership team of the Tenerife business association. As there was only one candidate, this process reaffirmed CEOE Tenerife's commitment to boosting business competitiveness, creating jobs, and fostering economic and sustainable development across the Canary Islands.

During the event, Alfonso presented his management report. He highlighted that successful economies are not just the largest, but those that are most competitive, adaptable, and skilled at creating talent and wealth. The president argued that to achieve this, it's essential to improve the productivity of capital, labour, and technology, by carefully balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations.

On this point, he stressed a fundamental principle: no island, sector, company, or individual should be left behind.

Alfonso also affirmed the Canary Islands' status as an Outermost Region (RUP). He stated that this European recognition should be a source of pride and a strategic chance to boost the Archipelago's standing within the European community. This, he added, should always be viewed through a realistic, competitive, and sustainable business lens.

He also stressed that the Canary Islands must firmly commit to the European Union's circular economy model. He sees this not just as an environmental solution, but also as a concrete way to enhance the Archipelago's competitiveness both at home and abroad. Simultaneously, he warned against neglecting the products and services made by Canary Island companies, which are crucial for the region's economic structure.

During his re-election speech, Pedro Alfonso called for unity among businesses, highlighting it as a defining value for CEOE Tenerife. He emphasized that "staying together, in times of uncertainty, is not the easy path; it is the brave one."

He emphasized that the Confederation serves as a shared platform where no one is left to face challenges alone. This applies to entrepreneurs from La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma, or Tenerife, whether they are from the north or south of each island. It includes both small and large businesses, those just starting out, and those with established histories. He added that it also supports those planning for the future or those currently facing difficulties and preparing to rebuild.

The president thanked the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, and the Confederation's technical team for their dedication. He highlighted that "the silent part of leadership now begins: delivering without the spotlight, upholding uncomfortable decisions, and working when the applause has faded."

Alfonso reaffirmed his dedication to a serious, institutional style of business leadership. He stated that this leadership should focus on the general public interest, be built on dialogue, and share responsibility with trade unions and public administrations. He argued that the Canary Islands can and should strive for growth without sacrificing social unity.

The General Assembly also elected the other members of CEOE Tenerife's leadership. These individuals will serve alongside Pedro Alfonso during his new term, creating a team that broadly and comprehensively represents the Canary Islands' key productive sectors.

The Vice-Presidents for Business Organizations and Companies appointed were: Ángela Delgado Díaz (ASAGA Canarias ASAJA), Óscar Izquierdo Gutiérrez (FEPECO), Juan Antonio Jiménez Arranz (FEMETE), Jorge Escuder Martín (ASINCA), Abbas Moujir Hegeige (FAUCA), Tomás Barreto Lorenzo (AGRUCAN), Bernabé Rodríguez Pastrana (Grupo DISA), Juan García Pérez (Moeve), Francisco Javier Zamorano Sáenz (Grupo CIO), and Manuel Valle Lopera (Grupo Valora).

Ana Muñoz González (Emelsa Servicios) will continue as Treasurer, and Elena Vela Sánchez will remain as head of the General Secretariat. This new term reaffirms CEOE Tenerife's commitment to business unity. Their goals include improving competitiveness and productivity, simplifying regulations and bureaucracy, tackling absenteeism and the underground economy, and fostering economic and social cohesion through the sustainable development of the Autonomous Community.