A law to make a better country

Practice without theory is blind. This lesson, taught by the German philosopher Immanuel Kant, reminds us that theory and practice are inseparable elements, and their interrelationship is fundamental to progress. In the regulatory sphere, laws provide the framework to guarantee effective action. The lack of an updated regulatory framework has, unfortunately, been how the Catalan chambers of commerce have operated over the last decade.

This situation dates back to 2014, when the State approved a new regulatory framework for these organizations that consolidated some substantial changes in their operation and financing. This law allowed the autonomous communities to regulate chamber activity according to territorial specificities. However, Catalonia did not implement this update.

The regulatory vacuum has hampered the chambers of commerce, forcing them to operate without adequate legislation that clearly defines their functions and responsibilities, but most importantly, their financing system. Their public-private role requires the guarantee of basic structural financing from the Generalitat (Catalan Government) to partially cover their expenses. Without this, their mission, which is essential for the business community, has been significantly hampered, and not everyone has been aware of it.

Throughout this time, the chambers of commerce have requested an updated law, but no consensus has been found outside parliament, nor has there been sufficient political will to assert their central role in the economy and the business world. A process as long and complex as it has been fruitless, which, fortunately, seems to have turned around. Despite having experienced this historic deficit, the chambers of commerce have continued to operate with limited resources, but this fact has not shaken the hundreds of businesspeople who govern and participate in them, dedicating their time altruistically, demonstrating their committed vocation for service.

It is important to remember that business is the central pillar of the economy. Chambers of Commerce are the organizations most closely linked to business development and promote the defense of the general interests of the economy, thus guaranteeing the improvement of society and the quality of life of the country's citizens. A strong business-oriented country is a better country to work and live in.

Today we have reason to be optimistic. The thirteen Catalan chambers have agreed on a proposed law that not only elaborates on the chambers' mission and functions in detail, but also addresses key aspects for continuing to provide services. This is a proposal that has been discussed and agreed upon with the main employers' organizations and unions in Catalonia after a long dialogue. It also has the support of the Catalan government, having been jointly presented by the four major parties in the Parliament, representing 90% of the deputies.

Now the final step remains: its processing and, we hope, final approval.

The prestige of the chambers of commerce is widely recognized throughout the world. Founded almost 150 years ago, heirs to the Consulate of the Sea and the General Boards of Commerce, a seven-century-old tradition that has contributed to making Catalonia an open and progressive economy, they are highly resilient corporations that have adapted to the demands of businesses because they are governed by the businesses themselves and speak not only on behalf of the business community but also on behalf of their employees and the entire economic fabric. As President Negre said, the chambers are the parliament of business.