Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the United Kingdom held its 12th Annual Gala Dinner at the Waldorf Hilton in London on October 4, 2023. José María Álvarez-Pallete, CEO of Telefónica, was the guest of honor.

The event of the year

The Gala Dinner is one of the most important events of the year in terms of trade relations between Spain and the United Kingdom. There is no other event in either country that brings together so many companies, institutions and individuals who are involved in the relations between the two states. A relationship that grows and strengthens every year.

“Relations between Spain and the United Kingdom have grown exponentially. In the midst of the digital revolution, we must continue to put people and the values we share at the center of everything we do. Therefore, we need to act together. The United Kingdom, Spain and Europe as a whole have a crucial role to play in this debate.” explained José María Álvarez-Pallete.

In 2022 Spain was the ninth largest trading partner of the United Kingdom, representing 3.2% of total trade in the British country. On the other hand, in 2019 Spanish investment in the British Isles amounted to 23.8 billion euros, making our country the fourth largest source of foreign investment.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The speakers emphasized the relevance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the present and future of society. In the United Kingdom, the post of Minister for AI and Intellectual Property has been created. A position held by Viscount Camrose within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

In this regard, José María Álvarez-Pallete emphasized the role that the company Telefónica has played in the digitalization of our lives.

Among those present at the Gala Dinner were José María Corsino partner and founding partner of Delonia Software, as a representative of the company.