Spain’s King Juan Carlos urged his countrymen in a televised Christmas message to brace them against the deteriorating economic situation. The king asserted that the country should play a crucial role at the world stage to ensure economic growth, well-being and security. He reminded Spain had overcome difficult times in the past, and had firmly put them back on track with greater vigour. He further called for multi-lateral co-operation to ward off the challenges of international terrorism and global economic crisis.
His message was in tow with Spain’s recent successful bid to obtain a seat at the G20 Summit in Washington in November this year. It should be recalled that Spain made a passionate attempt to become a part of the summit arguing that they merited a place as they were the eighth largest economy in the world. The king strongly advocated for improvements in ties with the US, Asia, Latin America and Africa. Notwithstanding, he said to tide over the problems the country is facing today, they needed better unity among themselves, particularly the political parties, trade unions and the company bosses.
He pointed out that as the country was integrated to the world economy, it was now clear how much the global crisis had impacted them too. Moreover, since the country is in recession, he felt it is time for the institutions, companies and professionals took extra interest in leading the world to bounce back from the present crisis and maintain buoyancy in the markets. Spain’s preparations to hold the six-month presidency of the European Union in 2010 had also figured during his address. It is noted that Spain’s construction sector, the major revenue generator has been hamstrung by the ongoing economic crisis with oversupply.
However, he did not forget to thank France for its operations against ETA and arresting three top leaders. ETA, the Basque separatist group had escalated their attacks in recent times after ending a ceasefire in June, 2007.
Toboc Trade News