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Life and Culture

Life and Culture

The subsequent legal reform that took place in the 1950s and early 1960s bore their fruit in the economy and in the banking sector. In the latter, the biggest banks, especially those from Vizcaya, were stronger thanks to a liberalized panorama that enabled their growth and expansion following two complicated decades in the Franco regime.

BBVA Group Executive Chairman Francisco González handed out the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards, honoring the outstanding work of a number of scientists and their contribution to the advancement of knowledge in recent decades. Awardees are responsible for achievements such as the development of the most accurate genomic editing technique; studies that led to the prevention of millions of malaria deaths; discovering how human action can dramatically affect earth’s ecosystems and statistical tools that allow turning data into knowledge in the era of big data.

Before long, the steps taken in the 1950s to abandon the autarchy that had trapped the Spanish economy began to produce results, prompting technocratic ministers to propose additional measures that would put Spain on the path to further liberalization. The route taken by the dictator would still require time, but during the 1960s, the economy was experiencing moments of positive change. The new legislation would encourage private banks to create specific industrial banks.

Josep Roca, the middle brother of the owners of El Celler de Can Roca, acclaimed as the best restaurant in the world in 2013 and 2015, arrived in China today with part of his team to take part in a series of commemorative events marking the first anniversary of BBVA opening its first office in the country. At a press conference following his arrival in Beijing, Josep Roca said: “Last year we cooked in Hong Kong and this year we are going to Beijing and Shanghai to pay homage to an age-old gastronomy that has taught us so much. We have great respect and admiration for this country’s cuisine and that’s why we would like to offer it our humble tribute.”