Speakers at the conference debated several proposals, ideas and strategies which Madeira could follow in order to secure its future and take part in the global economy, and during the opening remarks, the President of the Regional Government, Mr. Alberto Joao Jardim, stressed that Madeira must face new challenges ahead in a very determined manner.

According to Alberto Joao Jardim, the International Business Centre of Madeira will play an integral role in preparing the jurisdiction for change, and he observed that the IBC “is a structure which is an important tool within the regional development policy (and) indispensable for the modernization and diversification of the island’s small and fragile economy".

The conference also heard how Madeira could learn how other small and dynamic economies, such as Luxemburg, Malta, The Isle of Man and Singapore, overcame their own difficulties and developed strategies to respond to the challenges of the constantly changing global economy.

The general conclusion drawn by the delegates as a result of the presentations and debates was that Madeira needs to reinforce its presence worldwide and must use the strengths of the International Business Centre and the Tourism industry.

This view was strongly endorsed by the Vice-President of the Regional Parliament, Miguel de Sousa, who stressed that “all the required conditions must be created in order to assure the competitiveness of Madeira's IBC as well as the necessary stability to attract international investors".

A major hub for international fibre optic cables, Madeira is attempting to sell itself as an ideal location for companies in the field of telecommunications, e-business and B2C transactions with low direct and indirect taxes.