The president of the Lanzarote Business Confederation (CEL), Beatriz Salazar, held an institutional meeting this week with the vice president of the Cabildo de Lanzarote, María Jesús Tovar, with the aim of following up on the public-private collaboration projects already initiated and advancing in new lines of work that respond to the main economic and social challenges of the island.
During the meeting, both officials agreed on the importance of maintaining the cooperation established between both entities and highlighted the progress made in several key projects such as raising awareness about the effects of the underground economy, supporting SMEs for their incorporation into Dual Vocational Training, improving qualification in strategic sectors or the digitization of small businesses, innovation and sustainability.
“We are convinced that the continuity of these initiatives is essential to improve the competitiveness of our companies and generate real employment opportunities”, explained Beatriz Salazar, who also stressed the need to continue expanding the CEL's portfolio of services to accompany the business network in its adaptation to new challenges.
For her part, María Jesús Tovar highlighted the results obtained so far and expressed the Cabildo's commitment to continue collaborating with the CEL in projects that benefit the entire Lanzarote society. “The involvement of entrepreneurs is key to successfully facing the great challenges of our economy. From the Cabildo we will continue to support initiatives that strengthen the productive sector and improve employability conditions on the island”, she stated.
During the meeting, actions aimed at improving the employability of groups with greater difficulties in accessing the labor market, especially young people and people over 45 years of age, were also addressed. Both parties agreed on the need to strengthen guidance, training and retraining programs adapted to the real demands of the local business network.
They also highlighted the good functioning of the CEL's Business Advisory Service, a tool that has proven to be key in supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs in processes such as the incorporation of companies, the management of aid, digital transformation and sustainability. Beatriz Salazar highlighted the high level of satisfaction among users of the service and the growing demand for attention, which, in her opinion, “confirms the usefulness of this one-stop shop to channel business initiatives, resolve doubts and facilitate the day-to-day of those who are committed to creating employment and generating value on the island”.
Diagnosis of structural challenges
In addition to reviewing the status of ongoing projects, Salazar and Tovar discussed in depth some of the main obstacles that limit the economic development of the island, such as administrative simplification, high absenteeism, the growing difficulty in finding qualified personnel, adapting training to the new reality of the labor market or the shortage of housing, especially for displaced workers.
Both agreed that these factors are affecting productivity and the stability of the labor market, and that they require a coordinated strategy between administrations and the business network. “It is essential that these issues are part of the island and regional political and economic agenda, because they condition the sustainability of our development model”, said the president of the CEL.
In this sense, it was agreed to maintain a calendar of periodic meetings to continue analyzing the needs of the island's business network and work in a coordinated manner to promote projects that allow joint solutions for the generation of wealth and well-being, as well as improve the productivity and competitiveness of companies. Both the CEL and the Cabildo reiterated their willingness to continue working side by side for the benefit of the Lanzarote economy and the well-being of its citizens.