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Journée de l’Economie

Protectionism, nationalism, global trade tensions on the rise – Turbulent waters and potential scenarios

Meet us at the Journée de l’Economie on 28 February, 2019!

Trade is in a state of global uncertainty: the framework for open, rules-based trade faces multiple threats. To name just a few, trade agreements between China and the EU, as well as Brexit and the rise of protectionism lead to one question: are we on the brink of a trade war?

These are some of the issues that will be at the heart of the thirteenth Journée de l’Economie, which will take place at the Chamber of Commerce of Luxembourg on 28 February 2019.

13th Journée de l’Economie

The Journée de l’Economie is organised by the Luxembourg Ministry of the Economy, the Chamber of Commerce of Luxembourg and FEDIL – The Voice of Luxembourg’s Industry –, in cooperation with PwC Luxembourg. This yearly event has become a renowned forum for discussion, bringing together decision makers from the private and public sector to address the key challenges faced by all economic players in Luxembourg.

This year, our annual conference gathers leading names from the worlds of business, academia and politics to discuss and debate critical issues affecting global trade and international economic relations.

During the morning, you will hear from an exceptional line-up of speakers, including insights on:

  • Free trade and sustainable development: inherent contradiction or virtuous combination? Carlo Thelen, Director General, Chamber of Commerce of Luxembourg
  • International trade under attack: what strategy for Europe?André Sapir, Senior Fellow, Bruegel; University Professor, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB); Research Fellow, London-based Centre for Economic Policy Research.
  • Brexit and business – uncertainty and the unintended consequences. Emily Khan, PwC UK Beyond Brexit Lead
  • Protectionism and trade conflicts: how can businesses be gamechangers? John Parkhouse, CEO, PwC Luxembourg
  • Straight talk on trade: ideas for a sane world economy. Dani Rodrik, Ford Foundation Professor of International Political Economy, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government
  • Ministry intervention, Etienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Economy

Following a networking lunch, the afternoon will kick-off with a panel discussion moderated by Serge Allegrezza, Director of STATEC and chairman of the Observatory for Competitiveness. Within the context of, Global trade disruptions, this discussion will post the question, What are the impacts for Luxembourg?  Personalities from the world of research, from the public and private sectors as well as prominent Luxembourg politicians will be taking part in the discussion.

A workshop (in French) in collaboration with Fondation IDEA (the IDEA Foundation)– Can we protect without protectionism? –will close out the day. This looks set to be a fascinating public debate between the “laissez-faire zealots”, advocates of unbridled free trade, and stakeholders who say that social, economic and even environmental balance requires active regulation.

Register for the Journée de l’Economie and have a look at the agenda on www.jecolux.lu.

As is the case every year, the entire proceeds from the registration fees (€70 per person) will be donated to a Luxembourg association that supports the development of entrepreneurship.

To follow the conference, get involved and take part in the conversation, follow us on Twitter @JEcolux and use the hashtag #Jelux. The talks will be given in English and translated into French and Luxembourgish.

About the event:

The Journée de l’Economie was launched in 2007 by the Luxembourg government (Ministry of the Economy), in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and FEDIL – The Voice of Luxembourg’s Industry and in cooperation with PwC Luxembourg. Over 250 delegates take part in the conference every year.

The Journée de l’Economie has become a highlight of the year, bringing together Luxembourg’s key decision makers and relying on the high-profile presence of Étienne Schneider, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy.

Over the past 12 years, the conference has been a forum to address core topics relating to Luxembourg’s economic development such as the financial crisis, reindustrialisation, economic growth and competitiveness drivers in Luxembourg, nation branding, smart nation, future talents or the company of the future, to name but a few.