The new middle class is society's backbone, says former President of Spain at the 19th INTERNATIONAL MEETING

SAO PAULO, Nov. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The 19th INTERNATIONAL MEETING, the largest Brazilian business meeting outside of the country, which is happening in Barcelona, Spain, has as the high point of its International Seminar, starting this afternoon (Nov. 28) with the panel, "Economic relations and commercial development between Spain and Brazil," attended by 82 Brazilian CEOs, as well as officials and businessmen of the two countries. Organized by LIDE - Grupo de Lideres Empresariais ("Group of Business Leaders"), presided over by Brazilian executive Joao Doria Jr., the event focused on barriers and possibilities for growth in relations between the two nations, at the W Barcelona hotel. The meeting is continuing until December 1st.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141128/161382)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141128/161389)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141128/161391)

Photo caption 1: Jose Maria Aznar and Joao Doria Jr. - Imagem Paulista

Photo caption 2: Luiz Fernando Furlan - Imagem Paulista

Photo caption 3: Paulo Cesar Campos and Moreira Franco - Imagem Paulista

Jose Maria Aznar, President of Spain from 1996 to 2004, strengthened the excellent relationship with Brazil, the primary destination of foreign investment. "The strategic gambit of Brazil is right on target, and Spain is helping to make Brazil as a global reference. I've never doubted that Brazil would find its path toward development," he said.

Aznar notes that the Brazilian government must persist in reforms to achieve a competitive economy, and also move forward in the commercial opening up of its economy to generate more partnerships and opportunities. "I have always affirmed that Brazil would be fundamental in the union of the continent," Aznar observed. In the 21st century, Brazil has grown at an average rate of 4%, which is 50% higher than the past 25 years. He explained, moreover, that Brazil is now the world's seventh largest economy, with a GDP that is now on par withall the countries in South America, with a community that has accomplished poverty reduction and created more than 15 million jobs in a decade.

To Aznar, Brazil is a model in the setting of the Latin American community, where its influence has become outstanding. "You (Brazil) are always at the tables where the most important decisions are made, and are seen as a model of economic evolution, always creating a global impact," he said.

On the matter of corruption, Aznar asserted that problems of this nature are to be found in all the countries of the world. From the standpoint of prevention, two things are clear: moral conviction and a policy of good laws. There are rules and they must be respected. "Hyper-regulation trying to prevent corruption only encourages it. The key thing is to act transparently."

Aznar concluded his remarks with the affirmation that implementing transparency and circumventing conflicts of interest are two points that could eradicate this big problem that the two countries must confront.

Press:

CDN - Corporate Communications: www.cdn.com.br
Phone: [phone]
Rose Rocha: [e-mail]

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-new-middle-class-is-societys-backbone-says-former-president-of-spain-at-the-19th-international-meeting-300002263.html