This morning, Lehendakari Imanol Pradales presided over the opening ceremony of the 33rd edition of BIEMH-International Machine Tool Biennial, which is being held from today until Friday at Bilbao Exhibition Centre with the participation of 1,503 exhibiting companies from 34 countries and more than 3,350 innovative products.

During his speech, Lehendakari highlighted the Basque Government’s commitment to transforming and preparing the industrial and technological fabric of the Basque Country, with the aim of generating greater economic activity and quality employment. He also referred to this year’s edition motto: “We can experience this moment in two ways: by worrying about threats and pulling the handbrake; or, as we have always done, by taking advantage of all the opportunities the world offers us,” has emphasized.

The opening ceremony also featured speeches by Mikel Jauregi, Minister for Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability and President of BEC; Amaia del Campo, Mayor of Barakaldo; José Pérez Berdud, President of AFM Cluster; José Ignacio Ortiz de Urbina, President of AIMHE; Jordi García Brustenga, Secretary of State for Industry; and Ainara Basurko, Provincial Deputy for Economic Promotion and Vice-President of BEC.

The opening ceremony also brought together prominent authorities and institutional representatives, including Mikel Torres, Second Vice-President and Minister for the Economy, Labour and Employment; Ana Otadui, President of the General Assembly of Bizkaia; Saray Zárate, Deputy for Economic Development and Sustainability of the Provincial Council of Álava; Carlos García Buendía, Deputy Government Delegate in Bizkaia; Joseba Intxaurraga, BEC Councillor; Mª Carmen Gorostiza, BIEMH Event Manager; Xabier Ortueta, Director General of AFM Cluster; and Xabier Basañez, Director General of BEC. After the speeches, the delegation took an inaugural tour, visiting companies throughout the six exhibition halls occupied by the event.

With the slogan “CARPE BIEMH”, BIEMH 2026 invites exhibiting companies, visitors and organisations to seize the moment, once again highlighting its ability to offer a truly spectacular live industrial and technological show that never fails to surprise, edition after edition.

BIEMH 2026 is organised by AFM, Machine Tool Manufacturers; AIMHE, Machine Tools Importers and Bilbao Exhibition Centre, with the Provincial Council of Bizkaia and SPRI – Basque Government as institutional partners.