Since its foundation the Leading Brands of Spain Forum (LBSF) remained true to those objectives for which itwas created: to promote the international presence of the leading brands of Spain,to achieve the development of adequate means of boosting its defence, promotion, financing and taxation, and to open new markets for the rest of the Spanish brands. All this under the umbrella of helping towards the creation of a positive image of Spain abroad, because, the fact that Spain is looked upon as a reliable and safe brand by the rest of the world, depends on them. It is necessary to put Spain in its rightful place with regard to its history, effort and operative efficiency.

We can feel proud of having made this dual initiative a success. I say dual, because the birth of the Forum was a pioneer venture in its content: itwas the first time that both public and private organisations decided to walk hand in hand to promote the international presence of Spanish companies and thus, build up an attractive image of Spain abroad.

Today LBSF is made up of 90 companies, all of them leading firms in their sector on the international market and with a very solid presence on an international level, which turns the Forum into a very important engine for the Spanish economy. Now the Forum is expanding because the agreement with the Exporters and Investors Club (EIC) of Spain and some of its members, as well-known brands in its industries, are also included in this book.

Of course, the fact that this new book contains the success stories of rhe Spanish renowned brands. This is the third edition of a book thatwas launched in 2003 and which, in the editorial world, is called a “best-seller”.

There are already over ten thousand copies in Spanish,English and Japanese in the offices of businessmen and influential leaders in many countries all over the world. We know that not only have they contributed to strengthening and making known the brands contained within their pages,but also, they have helped to improve the image of “Made in Spain”. Which, basically, is what our Forum aspires to do.