LE FIGARO. – Since 1 July, the presidency of the Council of the European Union has been held by Spain. As President of the Official Chamber of Commerce of Spain in France (COCEF), what actions will you take during these six months to strengthen economic and trade relations between our two countries? CHRISTINE ALLARD. – Spain and France have a historical relationship in European construction. It was reinforced in January thanks to the signing of the great treaty of friendship after that on dual nationality last year. These agreements have played an important role in consolidating our ties and have contributed to developing cooperation and mutual understanding between our two nations. They testify to our shared commitment to deepen our partnership and to promote a solid relationship based on friendship, trust and close cooperation. The Official Chamber of Commerce that I chair is obviously part of this spirit. The Franco-Spanish couple must be one of the economic locomotives of Europe. Thus, throughout the six months, we will put in place concrete initiatives.
The first event will take place on July 6 and will honor gastronomy, a vehicle of universal values. Food products and Spanish specialties being among the most important exchanges between our two countries, it was logical that we organize an event highlighting the great Spanish and French chefs, as well as high-level professionals in the culinary field.
Will you also support other initiatives such as innovative projects from key sectors such as technology and climate? Of course, throughout this Presidency of the Council of the European Union we will also celebrate Spanish industry in France and collaborate with an impact fund. Our desire is to support Franco-Spanish business partnerships in various sectors, with a particular focus on companies that have a positive impact on society. Aligned with the objectives of the presidency, we will support Spanish and French entrepreneurs who carry out innovative projects. Spain is widely recognized as a land of innovation, particularly in areas such as renewable energy and the transport industry, which has led to the emergence of many start-ups in key sectors such as technology and the climate. Our priority will be to support them and facilitate partnership opportunities with French and international players.
Next, I hope that our role as a bridge between our two countries will allow us to increase the attractiveness of our respective countries and facilitate trade. As President of COCEF, I aim to improve the fluidity of trade relations, creating an environment conducive to business, thus encouraging investment, partnerships and mutual economic growth.
Let’s take a moment to talk about your background. For a year now, you have been elected head of the official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in France. A first for this institution. How did you feel? Pride. In June 2022, during our general meeting, the directors expressed the wish to see a new leader who embodied the fundamental values of the Official Chamber of Commerce of Spain in France: commitment, passion and collective spirit. I am obviously very honored to have been chosen to embody these values and to be the first woman to head COCEF. I believe that my election marked an important moment for this historic institution, but above all testified to the desire of the Board of Directors to be in tune with our times. I would like to point out with pleasure that I have the support of other women who lead great institutions such as Maria Paz Ramos at the Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy in France, as well as Maria José Gomez at the Spanish Office Tourism in Paris.
You worked in a Spanish mobility infrastructure management group. How have you faced the obstacles and challenges in this traditionally male-dominated world?
There are many challenges in business. That’s why I understand very well the difficulties that some women may face sometimes. As far as I am concerned, I have always looked ahead, reminding myself, when necessary, that I was the heir to the fights led by all the women who have worked for equality and parity.
Today, I sincerely hope to be one more source of inspiration for all the young women who observe our journeys. I would also like to salute all the other women who are at my side on the Board of Directors and who are achieving magnificent careers. It is important to specify that at COCEF, we have never resorted to positive discrimination. All are present on the basis of their merit and their exceptional skills. Excellence and talent take precedence over gender. I also strongly believe that diversity within our team enhances our ability to innovate, make informed decisions and achieve our goals. What do you want to instill in your leadership? opportunity to grow and realize their full potential. Of course, I pledge to continue to promote equal opportunities and to work actively to eliminate the barriers that hinder the progress of minorities. I am convinced that our institution will continue to prosper by building on our rich heritage, while remaining resolutely focused on the future. I am a woman of action and my main objectives revolve around four verbs: animate, stimulate, accompany and develop. Can you detail? Thanks to the tremendous energy deployed by the COCEF team, led by José Manuel Escoin Cano, our Secretary General, I hope that we will continue to animate the dynamic network of Spanish entrepreneurs in France and that we will take advantage of the 135 years of existence of the COCEF to make our know-how even more known. It seems important to me to stimulate exchanges and facilitate the establishment of Spanish companies in France, while contributing to the development of business on both sides of the Pyrenees. I also like to remind you that COCEF is the representative in France of Castilla y León, the government of Navarre, Andalusia and the Madrid region. And we will announce new performances very soon. In addition, and this is exclusive information that I am giving you, in September, we will inaugurate our business center (“centro de negocios”) in our premises in Paris in order to offer a wide range of solutions to welcome Spanish companies .
Of course, the COCEF will maintain with the same pugnacity its support to French companies wishing to enter the Spanish market. Our partnership with IFEMA, one of the main exhibition centers in Spain, allows us to promote different strategic fairs such as “Fruit Attraction” and the “Global Mobility Call”. I take this opportunity to salute the remarkable work of the sales team led by Julie Ricard, whose expertise greatly contributes to the promotion of trade between our two countries. Finally, and this is fundamental for me, I obviously want to develop our business Spanish training department and have the ELYTE test recognized as the benchmark for business language level certification. We have also created the Elyte Special Tourism test to allow students and professionals in the tourism sector to attest to a level of Spanish specialized in this field. Do you want to strengthen female entrepreneurship? I am personally committed to this cause and will continue to support and promote female entrepreneurship in all aspects of my tenure. We already recognize the importance of spotlighting outstanding female business leaders, which we do through our annual awards. For example, in 2022 we honored Maria Helena Antolin, and for the 2023 edition we are already working on a selection of candidates who deserve to be highlighted and recognized for their achievements.
What advice would you give to women who aspire to take on leadership positions in the business sector or start their own business? I would say: believe in yourself and your talents, never give up, surround yourself with supportive people, develop your leadership skills, and be willing to take calculated risks. I believe that with a combination of self-confidence, perseverance and constant development, one can realize oneself and have a significant impact in the business world.
Is COCEF also committed to the transition to a green and sustainable economy? Yes. We highlight remarkable initiatives in our annual trophies, on the subjects of energy transition, the fight against global warming, inclusion or solidarity. Thus, we have rewarded Telefonica for the development of Ecole 42 in Spain, the Sifu Group, which employs more than 4,500 employees with disabilities, and the L’Oréal factory in Burgos, a world reference in terms of sustainability. wish COCEF for the next twenty years? The destiny of the Official Chamber of Commerce of Spain in France is a reflection of the economic relations between our two countries. We must therefore wish us prosperity, innovation, adaptation to new challenges, but always with this typically Spanish sense of cordiality. Your favorite word in French and Spanish and why? In French, I like the word “Audace” I think ‘in view of my background, it suits me well. In Spanish, my heart swings between “duende” and “Olé”. There is no direct translation of “duende” into French. In fact, it is an artistic quality difficult to describe, but it is associated with the deep expression of emotions, the intense passion and the captivating presence on stage. As for “Olé”, this term is a Spanish interjection which is used to express admiration, enthusiasm or approval. It is often used during flamenco performances to applaud, encourage and show appreciation for the artists and their performance. What’s very French about you? – The art of living…and very Spanish? – Enthusiasm…Finish this sentence: “I am delighted to experience this presidency of the Council of the European Union at the head of the France-Spain Chamber of Commerce because… …it coincides with the 135th anniversary of the Chamber, which we are celebrating with the release of an anniversary book and the COCEF 2023 Trophies which I hope will be even more dazzling this year.
