José Manuel González-Páramo will continue promoting transatlantic relations from the TABC
BBVA Executive Director José Manuel González-Páramo has been elected to serve a two-year term as European Chair of the TransAtlantic Business Council (TABC), the only official consultation body on transatlantic relationships recognized by the governments of the United States of America and the European Union.
Since 2015 to date, José Manuel González-Páramo chaired the European branch of TransAtlantic Business Dialogue (TABD), which has merged with TABC. BBVA’s Executive Board Director will chair the European branch of the TABC through 2019. His counterpart on the U.S. side will be Peter Cleveland, Intel Vice-president. Mr González-Páramo appointment takes place at a time when trade relations between the U.S. and EU are especially important given the arrival of new U.S. administration in January.
TABC, created in 1995, is the only trade association recognized by US and European governments representing both European and US companies in international trade, investment and regulatory issues affecting the transatlantic business environment. TABC provides a platform for the development of common public policy positions and serves as a liaison between the governments of both areas, legislators, the business community and the general public. BBVA is one of the longest-standing members of the organization, which includes more than 60 companies from the U.S. and Europe.
The organization’s agenda for the next two years includes addressing the challenges of digitization – like cybersecurity and potential agreements to facilitate equivalent data transmission between the EU and U.S. The institution will also continue to promote commercial ties across the Atlantic in an environment where Brexit is particularly relevant. BBVA’s Executive Director considers the promotion of transatlantic trade relations essential as, “Trade is in the DNA of Europe and the U.S. It helps us innovate.”