Page 10 - Demo

10 | Gazette Life | November 2025GAZETTE | INTERVIEW%u201cLANZAROTE CAN CATCH UP IN A DECADE%u201d Lanzarote%u2019s Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. In those years the Chamber has offered vital support for start-ups and small- and medium- businesses, and has become an increasingly influential voice on the main issues affecting the island. We spoke to the Chamber%u2019s President, Jos%u00e9 Valle, last month. What is the real likelihood of establishing an island-wide taxi service?At the Chamber we%u2019re currently working with the Cabildo to promote a model agreed upon by the local councils. Earlier this year, we presented a public opinion survey to the Cabildo on the taxi service. It diagnosed a lack of coordination, coverage and a need for better digital services, and urged consensus and solutions to achieve coordinated, sustainable mobility adapted to the 21st century. As a result of this, the Cabildo recently approved the TaxiLanzarote.net system, an initiative to modernize the service, improve service to residents and tourists, and protect local employment. So, the solution is underway.Do you think Uber and other similar services will ever operate in Lanzarote?TaxiLanzarote.net is Lanzarote's own model that offers similar technological advantages, such as geolocation and digital payment, via an app. If we can successfully manage it, it won't be necessary to import external platforms that neither pay taxes nor generate value on the island.Is public transport adequate on the island? How can the number of private vehicles be reduced?In September we presented an Activation Plan to stimulate sustainable economic and social growth in Lanzarote and La Graciosa, funded by the Cabildo. It proposes, among many other initiatives, a strategy to connect taxis and buses and achieve sustainable mobility through smart infrastructure and increased service frequency. We need to reduce the number of vehicles in circulation, and this requires investment in public transportation, electric mobility, and ride-sharing to achieve a more efficient and habitable island.How will artificial intelligence affect businesses and employment in Lanzarote?That%u2019s a big question. Artificial intelligence can be a great ally if it is put at the service of people. Lanzarote must seize this opportunity to improve competitiveness, diversify the economy, and create quality employment. This is another key point of our Activation Plan: the digital transformation of small and medium-sized businesses, especially in tourism, energy, and services. The key is to support local talent and invest in training on our island.Calle Gin%u00e9s de Castro, 12 - 3%u00b0, 35500 Arrecife - LanzaroteTel: (+34) 928 815 262 l info@lanzarotelawyers.com l www.lanzarotelawyers.comEnglish Speaking SolicitorsJorge de la Cueva TerrerEileen Izquierdo LawlorMario Izquierdo Lawlor%u2022 Spanish Wills and advice on English Wills%u2022 Litigation %u2022 Family Law%u2022Conveyancing and transfers of lease %u2022 Personal Liability %u2022 Specialists in Holiday Letting Law and Holiday Let Registration.%u2022 Company Law %u2022 Assistance with Local AuthoritiesEstablished since 1986 ~ Serving you on Lanzarote for over 40 yearsINTERVIEW: JOS%u00c9 VALLE, PRESIDENT OF LANZAROTE%u2019S CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.