WELCOME

WELCOME TO GLOBAL STONE CONGRESS 2012

The GLOBAL STONE CONGRESS 2012 is the 4th edition of an event that is characterized as an international meeting of experts and stakeholders of the natural stone sector. The GLOBAL STONE CONGRESS 1st edition took place in Brazil in 2005; Italy organized it in 2008, Spain in 2010.

Portugal, through the VALORPEDRA Association with the collaboration of several companies and organizations has the opportunity to organize the meeting, the 4th Edition of GLOBAL STONE CONGRESS.

This is a great challenge for this specific time.

The Stone Cluster, formally recognized in 2008, is developing an internationalization strategy for Sustainability and Competitiveness that is framed in the mobilization and cooperation of all the cluster actors.

Globally times are hard, and the meeting of experts from different countries and contexts, which may contribute to the dissemination of knowledge, enabling progress in the natural stone industry is an emergency.

Taking advantage of the location, Alentejo, a region rich in natural resources and varied landscape, the STONE GLOBAL CONGRESS 2012 will have activities in a few historical places, offering to the visitor a view of its tradition, culture, history and gastronomy. These places also have a strong representation in the Natural Stone industrial activity.

It is our ambition that the issues that will be discussed during the Congress will accomplish the scientific, professional and economic expectations in response to the strong involvement of all partners in the organization.

We are motivated to mark GLOBAL STONE CONGRESS 2012 as an important meeting between all those who have ambition for progress and competitiveness of the natural stone industry.

We believe that the mobilization of all stakeholders worldwide in order to achieve this ambition is the key to the success of this edition.

We count on you!

Welcome to GLOBAL STONE CONGRESS 2012!

Filipe Palma
Chairman of Global Stone Congress 2012