references
1.1. Madrid Regional Government
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CRISTINA CIFUENTES, PRESIDENT OF THE MADRID REGIONAL GOVERNMENT
This Report marks the end of a stage in the life of IFEMA. This stage has been characterised by consolidation and growth, even though Spain suffered the worst economic crisis in its recent history over the same period. Just as the Madrid Region is now addressing recovery with the country’s highest rates of growth and job creation, IFEMA is approaching its new era from the security of its position as Spain’s top operator in its field. In particular, the Institution boasts good financial health, which is evidenced by results that show increasing profits. Moreover, it has zero indebtedness and a self-financing capacity that requires no grants or injections of public money. A driving force for business tourism, IFEMA’s activities bring the city of Madrid and its region 2.4 billion euros a year, representing over 1% of the region’s GDP, and create approximately 40,000 direct and indirect jobs. The figures speak volumes and highlight IFEMA’s intensive work in 2015 in organising trade fairs and managing spaces despite the financial and commercial crisis: almost 500 events, many of them which are now real global benchmarks, 25,000 companies and 2.7 million national and international visitors.
Such good results do not blind us to the fact that the time is right to provide new impetus and renew the Institution so we can ensure its future in the face of new challenges and opportunities. In 2015, we initiated this process through the channel of dialogue and the search for consensus among all the parties in the consortium. This has given rise to new Statutes that have been unanimously approved and provide a broadened vision of IFEMA’s business capacities and still greater guarantees of transparency and professionalism in its management. As we present the 2015 Report, it is also time to value the work of those who have been at the helm of this Institution and have achieved positive results. It is also time to welcome the new management team and wish them all the best. Their success will be that of everyone in Madrid.