Amb. Westendorp will be accompanied by senior executives of the following large multinational Spanish companies:

• ASESORES DE CONSTRUCCIÓN Y SERVICIOS (ACS) www.acs.es
   

• Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) www.bbva.com
  (banking and finance)
   

• FCC CONSTRUCCIÓN www.fccco.es
  (civil engineering and construction)
   

• GLOBAL VIA www.globalvia.com
  (development and management of infrastructure projects)
   

• GUASCOR www.guascor-usa.com
  (design and manufacture of diesel and gas engines, and power systems)
   

• LA ESCANDELLA TILE www.laescandella.com
  (manufacturer of ceramic tiles)
   

• PGI Group International www.pgigroupmiami.com
  (design of construction documents for mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, fire alarm, communications, material specification, feasibility studies and comparisons between different solutions)
   

• REPSOL www.repsolypf.com
  (international oil and gas company)
   

• ASCER (Association of Ceramic Tile Manufacturers of Spain) www.spaintiles.info

Ambassador Carlos Westendorp has served as Ambassador of Spain to the United States since 2004. He previously served as Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs (1995-1996) and as Ambassador Permanent Representative of Spain to the European Communities (1985-1991).

Ambassador Westendorp joined the Spanish Diplomatic Service in 1965. He also served as a Member of the Autonomous Community of Madrid Parliamentary Assembly (2003- 2004); Member of the European Parliament (1999-2003); High Representative for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1997-1999); and Ambassador Permanent Representative to the United Nations (1996-1997).

Since 1979 much of his service has been devoted to European affairs: in 1979 he joined the team for the negotiation of the Spanish membership of the European Community; in 1980 he was appointed Head of Cabinet of the Minister for European Relations; in 1983 President Executive of the Board for the Relations with the European Communities; and two years later he was appointed Secretary General for the European Communities.

Ambassador Westendorp has also served as Commercial and Economic Counsellor at the Embassy of Spain in The Hague (1975-1979); Head of the Technical Cabinet of the Ministry of Industry (1974-1975); Director of Economic Studies, Diplomatic School in Madrid (1969-1970); and Consul, Consulate General of Spain in São Paulo (1966-1969).