The president of the Lanzarote Business Confederation (CEL), Beatriz Salazar, met this Wednesday with representatives of the most representative business associations on the island, with the aim of promoting the creation of a platform through which to face the challenges faced by small and medium-sized local businesses. The vice president of the CEL, Francisco Martínez, as well as representatives of the main business associations of Lanzarote, also participated in the meeting.
Beatriz Salazar contextualized the importance of this initiative in the fact that "a progressive decrease in the number of companies and self-employed workers linked to commerce has been detected with concern, a trend that is due to structural factors and that requires a coordinated and immediate response."
"Our objective is to promote a space for connection between sector associations, foster synergies and launch cooperation formulas that allow us to face current challenges and prevent more companies from disappearing from the island's business fabric," she said and added that it is essential to "take action in the face of a reality that compromises the commercial fabric of the island and, with it, employment, well-being and general economic activity."
The president highlighted that among the challenges identified are the urgent need to promote business innovation, advance in digitization, and face increasing competition, both online and in person, which in many cases offers products at a very low cost and in conditions that make it difficult for local businesses to compete.
During the meeting, the design of a common strategy and an action plan with concrete measures to reverse this situation was also proposed. In this context, the CEL has announced the creation of a new representation and interlocution platform that unifies the voice of the Lanzarote commercial sector before public administrations and channels its demands, concerns and proposals.
"We are facing an important challenge, but also an opportunity. Lanzarote needs a strong, innovative and cohesive commerce, and from the CEL we are going to put all the necessary resources to build it together. We cannot afford to continue losing companies without acting. It is time to promote a real change," said Beatriz Salazar, president of the CEL.
The CEL insists that 2025 should be the starting point to redefine the island's commercial model, guarantee its sustainability and strengthen its role as an economic and social engine on the island.
