Madrid’s Councillor for the Economy, Innovation and Finance, Engracia Hidalgo, took part in a meeting with representatives of foreign multinationals established in the capital with the aim of promoting the union between local government and these corporations that boost the economy and employment in the capital, and in turn promote networking and publicise the attributes that make Madrid a city with immense investment opportunities.
The event, organised by the CEOE-Madrid Business Confederation (CEIM), has shared the cultural and culinary wealth of Spain through a cooking workshop taught by chef Mario Sandoval on how to make rabo de toro, Spain’s famous oxtail stew made using bull tails. The meeting was also attended by CEIM President Miguel Garrido and Verónica García Castelo, CEO of the Heritage Hotel in Madrid, where the conference took place.
During the event, Councillor Hidalgo highlighted “the importance of bringing the country’s cultural heritage closer to foreign companies,” emphasising its value as a “link between nations and organisations that seek to contribute to the economic and business development of the city.” Hidalgo also stressed the significance of bulls as the pivotal theme at this event, “a sector that defines our essence and has a strong economic impact in the country”, in addition to “enriching the agrifood industry of our region”, given that meat produced by fighting bulls is highly nutritious and its consumption helps to conserve the pasture lands and biodiversity of Madrid. The participants prepared simple rabo de toro stews and sampled other delicious dishes made using bull tails.
Naturally, Spain’s wealth of cultural and agrifood assets held pride of place at this meeting. And the world of bullfighting is part of that heritage. It is estimated that the bullfighting industry generates 12,000 jobs in the Region of Madrid, particularly in rural areas, while activity organised around national bullfighting festivities has an impact of 140 million euros per year in the region, according to the National Association of Bullfighting Operators (Anoet).
