The Teruel native Nuria Ros Navarro took over as Secretary General of the Teruel Chamber of Commerce in September 2025, following a planned internal transition and after a long career of 15 years within the Institution. With the aim of succeeding her predecessor, Santiago Ligros, Ros held the position of Deputy Secretary General of the institution for just over two years.
In this interview with Go Aragón, she reflects on her first months in office, reviews the main challenges of the Chamber in a changing economic context, and analyzes key issues such as support for SMEs, internationalization, the digitalization of commerce, attracting investments, and the role of operational aid for regional development.
Q: You have been in charge of the Secretary General position for several months now. What is your assessment of this first period and what would you highlight as your key learnings?
A: The assessment is very positive. Taking on this role has been a great responsibility and, at the same time, a highly motivating challenge. I arrived in September 2025 following an orderly transition process that has greatly facilitated continuity. Having previously served as Deputy Secretary General allowed me to gain a deep understanding of internal management, projects, and the human team.
The results validate this first period, both in terms of project execution and the public-private collaborations we have been developing. Moreover, we are facing 2026 with new challenges and a very ambitious plan thanks to a team of 23 professionals.
Q: You assumed this position after many years of experience within the organization. How has knowing the institution from the inside helped you?
A: It has helped me immensely. I have gone through different stages and responsibilities, from a technical profile to Area Director and Deputy Secretary General. This has allowed me to understand the DNA of the Chamber, its mission, and its values.
“Everything we do at the Chamber aims to create a real impact in the territory.”
The Chamber is neither a public administration nor a private company; it is a bridge entity between businesses and the administration. Having lived this reality from within for over fifteen years enables me to assume the Secretary General role with a clear vision of the priorities and strategic objectives of the Corporation.
Q: Your profile is closely linked to business advisory services and regional development. How does this contribute to this new stage?
A: It brings a very impact-oriented perspective. Everything we do at the Chamber is aimed at the economic and social development of the province of Teruel. Generating employment, opportunities, and growth is our ultimate goal.
It also adds a degree of closeness. At the Chamber, we work to support, listen to, and guide companies. We want to be a real ally in their growth, both from an institutional and business perspective.
Q: Looking to the future, what challenges do you see for the Teruel Chamber of Commerce?
A: The main challenge is to adapt quickly to a changing environment to help businesses. We are the voice of the business community before the administration and a key agent in implementing public policies.
We want to strengthen support for SMEs and self-employed individuals, promote public-private collaboration, and improve business competitiveness. Continuous training is essential, especially in areas like digitalization and artificial intelligence. The Chamber must lead the way in helping companies adapt.
“Digitalization is no longer an option; it is a necessity to remain competitive.”
Internationalization is another strategic axis. We have a national and international network of Chambers that allows us to support companies looking to open new markets or consolidate existing ones.
In the long term, we are also working on applying for new European projects and attracting investments for the province, especially in strategic sectors linked to the Teruel airport and defense, with the aim of generating employment and attracting and retaining talent.
Q: What is the current state of commerce in the province of Teruel?
A: Commerce has had a good Christmas season and is now facing the sales period, but it is in a state of constant adaptation. It is a resilient sector that has always known how to reinvent itself, although the big challenge now is digitalization and competition with large formats and online commerce.
At the Chamber, we provide personalized assistance because not all businesses start from the same point. Initiatives like consumer vouchers or programs like ‘Volveremos’ have worked well and the sector appreciates them.
“Leadership does not depend on gender, age, or life stage.”
The challenges involve competing more in service, quality, and proximity than in price, and addressing the generational turnover in businesses. It is essential not to lose shops that bring life to our municipalities.
Q: Operating aid remains a key demand. What impact would a real application of 20% have?
A: It would have a very significant driving effect. Achieving that percentage would attract new investments, facilitate the arrival of companies, improve salaries and working conditions, and from there, help address other issues like housing or talent retention.
So far, the application of 1% has been virtually imperceptible. This is why we are calling for an advance toward that maximum authorized by the European Commission, even if it is in a gradual manner. The time is now, and there is consensus among social and economic agents regarding its importance.
Q: What potential do Teruel companies have to grow internationally?
A: The potential is very high. The local market is limited and internationalization is a clear pathway for growth and diversification. At the Chamber, we organize trade missions, fairs, prospecting actions, and specific training.
“Local commerce must compete in service, quality, and proximity.”
Additionally, we work in network with other Chambers. An example is our agreement with the Tarragona Chamber to facilitate access to the African market. Sectors like agribusiness stand out, but internationalization is an opportunity for all types of companies.
Q: Digitalization is one of the major challenges for local commerce. Where do we currently stand?
A: Most businesses are already aware of the importance of having a digital presence, although the level of maturity varies. At the Chamber, we provide personalized advice and continuous training to help them choose the right tools. We also promote teamwork and belonging to business associations, because facing these changes individually is much harder.
Q: You assume the Secretary General role as a young woman and recent mother. How do you experience this stage?
A: I experience it completely naturally. Leadership should not depend on gender, age, or life stage. In my case, it has not been a hindrance. I believe it is important to have more women visible in positions of responsibility and to invest in diverse teams. Diversity, both generational and in profiles, enriches any project and helps in making better decisions.
