The trustees reviewed the working plan for the next year, the latest news coming from Australia, as well as the specific interests of the SACF´s Board members in Australia
In words of the General Director for North America, Eastern Europe, Asia and the Pacific of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Ana Sálomon, the bilateral relations between Spain and Australia are now in an excellent moment.
Both countries share many objectives and priority’s like the fight for gender equality; the removal of the quota and the formalities for the work and holiday visas; as well as the simplification of the formalities for the recognition of academic degrees, especially engineering.
The Board analysed other bilateral common interests like the Australian representation in the COP 25 and in the XIV ASEM Meeting; the Governor General invitation to Their Majesties the Kings and the Queen of Spain to an official trip to Australia; the latest progress in the UE-Australia Free Trade Agreement negotiations or the role of Spain in the Post-Brexit scenario.
The trustees explained their specific interests in the country and in the activities the Foundation can develop. Indra outlined their interest in Smart Cities. Javier Parrondo, the new Director of Casa Asia Director, said that they are trying to increase their offer of activities about the country, and in this moment working in a program about the Pacific though their novels. ICEX is going to do several webinars about mining and agri-food industries.
Activities planned for 2020
With the focus on the Foundation's own activity the Board review the activities of the second half of 2019, highlighting the celebration of the V Forum of the Spanish Researchers in Australia and the Pacific and the V Edition of the Australian Leaders Program. These activities were highly valued by the members of the Board.
The Foundation assisted as well to the FTA round table organized by ABIE (Australia Business in Europe) on Brussels and to the Business Lunch with the Assistant Secretary Europe Trade UK and Ireland Branch from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia.
For 2020 the Spain Australia Council Foundation has planned different activities in line of what has been done, like the VI Edition of the Australian Leaders Program, Spain – Australia Bilateral Dialogues, interviews, the bilateral communication platform and the institutional activity.