News from the Ministry of the year 2023

All press releases

Industry | 9/25/2023

EU countries agree to the Spanish presidency's proposal regarding new Euro 7 car emissions rules

Héctor Gómez: “Our position is to stay on this path to lead the mobility of the future and to adopt realistic levels of emissions for the next decade while helping our industry to move towards non-polluting cars in 2035 ”. The council has agreed to change emissions limits for cars and vans as regards abrasion of tyres, checks and batteries. The entry into force of the regulation was delayed to 2027 for light vehicles and 2029 for heavy-duty vehicles.
Trade | 9/21/2023

Spanish exports grew by 3.3% since July and exceed 230 billion euros

The trade deficit was reduced to 21.323 billion euros in January-July. The strong export performance of the automobile, equipment, and food sectors stands out in particular.
Tourism | 9/20/2023

Between January and August, Spain welcomed 63.6 million international passengers, a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2022

In August, Spain welcomed 10.1 million international air passengers, 12.3% more than in 2022 Héctor Gómez: "Spain has kept its strength as a tourist destination. Spain's tourism sector has been revived and has proved its resilience despite the global challenges”.
Industry | 9/19/2023

The minister Héctor Gómez set out in the European Parliament the priorities of the Spanish presidency of the EU for Industry, Trade and Tourism

The minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism participated in three committees, the Trade committee, which he attended alone; Transport and Tourism, where he was joined by minister Raquel Sánchez; and Industry, Research and Energy, which he attended with the First Deputy Prime Minister, Nadia Calviño. In Industry he noted the need for continued promotion of “the new industrial revolution in the EU which aims to improve production processes, grow the economy and ensure the strategic autonomy of the EU ”. In Trade he advocated an “ambitious” policy to “expeditiously” implement free trade agreements. In Tourism he advocated a “paradigm shift”, that embraces a cross-cutting approach and a move towards sustainability, and which recognises the weight of tourism at EU level.
Industry | 9/19/2023

Industry closes the application round for the VEC II PERTE with 186 applications in the two lines which will mobilise €8.5B.

The Ministry of Industry is evaluating the projects received by simple competition in order to resolve the application rounds as quickly as possible. Héctor Gómez: "The data we are seeing show the success of the second round of PERTE (Strategic Projects for Economic Recovery and Transformation) applications. Spain is going to become a leading industrial hub for sustainable mobility". So far, 10 projects from eight different companies have received provisional approval.
Industry | 9/18/2023

Industry provisionally granted €54 M to 279 collaborative projects by Innovative Business Groups

A total of 98 per cent of projects submitted by innovative business groups and members of the companies themselves are collaborations. Seventy per cent of the amount of subsidized projects are based in the regions of Andalusia, Aragon and Catalonia. Support for the strengthening and the activity of so-called innovation “clusters” are part of the European strategy for improving competitiveness through innovation.
Tourism | 9/18/2023

Jobs in tourism continue to grow and new contracts grew in August 5.1 by per cent over the last year ago

Héctor Gómez “Tourism is the main driving force of the economy, and we welcome that improvement in employment with more specialized and higher quality jobs every day. But we want more. We will continue to work to create not only more but better jobs”. Since August 2019, the number of registered contracts has grown by 5.1 per cent. Workers in tourism in August accounted for 13.5% of total participants in the national economy.
Industry | 9/15/2023

Envision and SEAT, new projects approved by Industry within the batteries section

These two provisional proposals would total 247 million euros in subsidies and 100 million euros in loans.
Industry | 9/15/2023

Héctor Gómez attends Madrid Fashion Week to support the fashion industry

The Ministry of Industry supports the sector in several ways, such as the Support Fund for Industrial Productive Investment and financial support for research, development and innovation projects. Héctor Gómez "Spanish fashion has great potential for growth and creating high-quality jobs, besides being an international benchmark that is key to its success". According to data of the Textile and Clothing Information Centre, the turnover of Spanish textile industry reached 651 million in 2022.
Industry | 9/15/2023

Industry provisionally awards €161.5 million to 281 industrial projects to support the agri-food sector

The objective of the PERTE is to encourage the modernization, sustainability and digital processing of agricultural sector. Héctor Gómez “ this PERTE is a great opportunity to accelerate innovations in agribusiness in its broadest sense, encouraging aspects such as food traceability and the automation of industrial processes towards more sustainable models ”.
Industry | 9/14/2023

The Naval PERTE will subsidise 40 projects from 73 companies, providing more than €56M

The Naval PERTE (Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation) will help modernise the sector in Spain, increasing its competitiveness by about 15%. Héctor Gómez: “these data confirm that the PERTE public-private collaboration model works to attract transformational industrial projects in the naval industry”.
Industry | 9/13/2023

The Decarbonisation PERTE will kick off in mid-October with the first line of aid in the amount of €1 billion

The Decarbonisation PERTE (Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation) is expected to offer a total public investment of 3.1 billion euros and create some 8,000 quality jobs. The Ministry of Industry is already working on the fourth line of aid, which is expected to be available by the end of year. According to Minister Héctor Gómez, “the government's commitment to transforming industry is beyond reproach and firm, and it is equal to the challenge presented by the sector and society”.
Industry | 9/12/2023

Industry provisionally approves 18 projects for a total of €15.6 M to modernise the pharmaceutical sector

Catalonia and Castilla-La Mancha will receive the most benefit from the total proposed aid.
Trade | 9/12/2023

Trade completes the aid programme to strengthen the business sector by mobilising 313 million euros

In all, 346 projects have received funds through the three rounds of the programme implemented from 2021 to 2023 Next Generation EU Aid has been awarded in three areas: sustainable urban markets, sustainable markets in rural areas and strengthening the commercial sector in tourist areas
Industry | 9/7/2023

The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism is organising the sixth edition of the National Congress on Industry and SMEs in Malaga.

This sixth edition will take place on 2 and 3 October at the Congress and Trade Fair Centre of Malaga. Registration is now open for the sixth edition of the CNIP, which under the slogan "Net Zero: The Industry of the Future" outlines the main lines of the Spanish industry's annual reference event. This event has been resized and transformed into the integrating space for industry and SMEs, bringing together their leaders at the highest level, institutions, companies, associations, clusters, and all professionals and experts in the value chain committed to economic and industrial development.
Industry | 9/6/2023

Héctor Gómez reinforces the Government's commitment to entrepreneurship and announces that more than 100 companies have received the startup certificate.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism has announced that Enisa has received more than a thousand applications from companies to receive certification and thus access the benefits of the Startups Act. Startup Olé is among the 25 events highlighted by Industry for boosting the innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem in Spain. In 2022, Spain had 12,041 start-ups, making it the fourth European country with the highest number of start-ups.
Tourism | 9/5/2023

Spain and Brazil demonstrate successful tourism cooperation in sustainability and digitalisation

Héctor Gómez has met with his counterpart, the Brazilian Minister of Tourism Celso Sabino, to advance economic and diplomatic relations between the two tourism sectors. Gómez highlighted the "investment potential for Spanish companies that the fruitful collaboration in the field of smart destinations represents". The Brazilian minister thanked Spain for its willingness and highlighted it as an example of international cooperation, which he hopes to strengthen during Brazil's future presidency of the G20.
Tourism | 8/31/2023

International seat bookings for September are close to 10.7 million, one million more than a year ago.

The increase compared to 2022 is 10.1%, with the UK, Germany and Italy leading the way. Poland, the Czech Republic and Portugal are the countries with the highest year-on-year growth in bookings. Héctor Gómez: “Spain is a deseasonalized, quality destination that is highly sought after by international travellers from all over the world. There is no doubt that 2023 will be a historic year for our tourism".
Tourism | 8/24/2023

Héctor Gómez visits the Izaña Atmospheric Observatory with the Third Vice-President and Minister for Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera, to check the effects of the Tenerife wildfire.

Héctor Gómez: “All the administrations, at the highest level of collaboration, are committed to extinguishing the fire, which is still active. We must be cautious but also optimistic, because we have material and human resources that are making an incalculable sacrifice to put out the fire and minimise the damage". The current affected area of the fire is about 14,751 hectares, spread over 13 municipalities, and a perimeter of 90 km.
Tourism | 8/21/2023

Spain reaches 10.3 million international air passengers in July, 11.5% more than a year ago

Héctor Gómez: ""Spain is a leading destination and this is demonstrated by today's data, which certify the sweet summer that the sector is experiencing, with record spending and tourist arrivals”. The markets with the strongest year-on-year growth were Poland, Portugal and Italy.
Trade | 8/17/2023

Spanish exports reach an all-time high and grow 4.7% in the first six months of 2023

Héctor Gómez: "The foreign sector is one of the driving forces of our economy and the competitiveness of Spanish companies in international markets stands out for its capacity and innovation". The trade deficit nearly halved to 16.42 billion euros in the first half of the year from 31.963 billion euros in the same period last year. The non-energy balance showed a surplus of 285 million euros.
Tourism | 8/16/2023

Tourism employment reaches its best July in history with 2.8 million new registered employees

Héctor Gómez: “Tourism employment reaches record figures thanks to the boost from government policies and the strength of our business sector”. Compared to July 2019, enrollment grew by 7.2%. The number of employees in tourism activities accounted for 13.6% of the total number of employees in the national economy.
Trade | 8/10/2023

Retail sales increased by 6.8 per cent in June, and employment rose to a historic maximum

The number of workers registered with the Social Security increased by 1.1% year on year in July, to a historic high of 1,977,797 in a given month. Héctor Gómez: “This is extremely good news, which highlights the health and vigour of our internal market and of the economy overall” Registered unemployment in the retail trade fell by 5.6% in July 2023, reaching the lowest figure of the series. Retail trade accounted for 8.9% of the total number of employed persons in the economy in the second quarter of the year and 61.1% of trade. Moreover, almost 65% of these workers are women.
Tourism | 8/9/2023

One in every four new jobs created in the Spanish economy is linked to tourism

Total workers in the tourism sector reached 2.86 million in the second quarter of 2023, 6.3 per cent more than in 2019, with more than 3.1 million active workers. Wage earners in the tourism sector with permanent contracts (80.4 per cent) have risen by 18.1 per cent, the eighth consecutive increase. Temporary contracts have fallen by 19.9 per cent. The unemployment rate is 8.5 per cent, almost three points below the same period in 2019. Héctor Gómez “Tourism is a major economic driver in our country. Spain continues to create jobs linked to the tourism sector, which is increasingly robust and marked by stability and excellence.
Tourism | 8/7/2023

Tourists arriving from China increased by 420% in the first six months of the year

In the first half of 2023, the international tourism market increased significantly compared to 2022, both in the flow of tourists (+23.7 per cent) and expenditure (+28.3 per cent). In addition to China, the Asian market – South Korea and Japan – is still providing three-digit growth. The influx of tourists from the US increased by 57 per cent during the last six months, and new direct routes have been added since 2022. Héctor Gómez “The recovery of the Asian market, in particular tourism from China, is excellent news for our country's quality and internationalisation.”
Tourism | 8/2/2023

Tourist income continues to grow in June and the number of tourists increased by 10.9 per cent compared to 2022

More than half a million tourists visited from the USA in June, a year-on-year increase of 41.7% year. The average spend per traveller is 1,275 euros, 5.9 per cent more than a year ago and 16.3 per cent higher than pre-pandemic figures. Héctor Gómez “The phenomenal growth of the US economy is making our destinations particularly attractive, particularly since our country offers such high quality vacations”. Spain welcomed 37.4 million arrivals in the first half of the year and total income amounted to more 46.011 million euros. The leading regions for incoming tourism in the first six months were Catalonia, the Balearics and the Canaries.
Tourism | 7/31/2023

Seats booked on international flights in August exceed $11.4 million, a million more than a year ago

Colombia, Poland and Portugal have all seen year-on-year growth in flights sold Héctor Gómez "July has been outstanding for tourism; August, Spain's busiest month for tourism, is on track to break another record"
Industry | 7/27/2023

Minister Héctor Gómez strengthens industry links with the Carlos III University

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism has met with the rector of Madrid University and was given a guided tour of the mechanics and robotics laboratory. The Ministry, through the Department of Industry and small and medium-sized enterprises (DGIPYME) and ICEX, has awarded grants totalling almost 265,000 euros to UC3M. Héctor Gómez "Scientific contribution is key for the industrial and technological progress to which we aspire". The University and the Ministry had signed a total of six agreements with agencies such as ICEX, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office and the Centre for Spanish Metrology.
Industry | 7/27/2023

The Government culminates PERTE VEC II with a call for the individual project line.

The office for the call for the so-called section B of the PERTE VEC II will be open from 16 August to 15 September.. Héctor Gómez: "This is a crucial step to respond to the demands in the automotive sector in Spain, and that puts us at the forefront of the green mobility sector in the EU". The budget consists of €344 billion in subsidies and €215 million in grants.
Industry | 7/27/2023

The Accelerates Startups programme is ready to boost the growth and development of 6,100 innovative entrepreneurs and startups

The Ministry of Industry initiative will assist 6,100 startups and innovative entrepreneurs with NextGenerationEU funds through the “Accelerate Startups programme”. The call for assistance in kind to advise startups through more than 50 accelerators in Spain starts on 5 September. A total of €33.3 million has been allocated within the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
Industry | 7/21/2023

ENISA opens the certification process for start-ups

ENISA has so far received 1,900 consultations from companies interested in the certification process. The government estimates that at least 10,000 companies wishing to access the tax relief provided for under the startups law are applying for accreditation. Héctor Gómez: “Spain is not only the best country to live in, but also to start entrepreneurial activity and to invest. This order brings to a close the procedure of the framework law on the promotion of the start-up ecosystem and marks a new era of modernisation and great opportunities not only for economic growth, but also for the labour market ”.
Tourism | 7/21/2023

Tourism employment records the best June in the historical series, with 2.76 million social security contributors

Héctor Gómez "Social security affiliation data confirm our good forecasts for 2023, the year of the full recovery of tourism in Spain ” Participants in tourism activities amounted to 13.4% of participants in the national economy as a whole.
Industry | 7/20/2023

More than 5,000 companies and self-employed individuals registered in June through the Ministry of Industry's unified electronic system CIRCE

Almost 2,000 Limited Companies have been created, 96% in less than 24 hours. More than 3,000 self-employed individuals registered, 99 per cent in less than 24 hours. 5,171 new jobs created by these companies. 18.96% more companies incorporated and self-employed individuals registered compared to the same month in 2022. More than 4,000 Enterprise Assistance Points available free of charge to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business.
Trade | 7/20/2023

Spanish exports are up by 6.4%, reaching record levels

The trade deficit has continued to decrease to 47 per cent in the first five months of the year. The autonomous communities with higher growth in their exports were Castile and Leon, La Rioja and Catalonia. Héctor Gómez “the strength of Spanish exporter companies and their good positioning in international markets mean that exports are more dynamic than imports ”.
Industry | 7/18/2023

The government authorizes €450M in aid to gas-intensive industrial companies

The goal is to mitigate the impact on industries with the most intensive natural gas consumption by compensating for part of the additional costs due to the exceptional increase in natural gas prices during 2022.
Tourism | 7/18/2023

In June, Spain reached 9.1 million international air passengers, 10% more than a year ago

In the first six months of the year, Spain surpassed 43 million passengers, 24.3% more than in the same period in 2022. Héctor Gómez: "We continue to see extraordinary data demonstrating the potential for tourism growth in Spain”.
Trade | 7/17/2023

The European Union continues to request the removal of tariffs black olives spanish

Héctor Gómez, minister of industry, commerce and tourism “ from the government of spain and from the european commission will remain open to reach an understanding with the united states to safeguard the interests of our farmers. ”
Tourism | 7/13/2023

Spain presents its program to lead sustainable tourism in the EU to the UN

The Secretary of State for Tourism is participating in the United Nations Special Session on Sustainable Tourism in New York. Morillo will describe the efforts being made to promote the environmental, social and labor sustainability of the sector.
Industry | 7/12/2023

More than 3,300 industrial SMEs could benefit from ‘Programa Activa Industria 4.0’ to accelerate their digital transformation

This is a call for in-kind aid providing advice to SMEs through specialized entities. The amount of the call is 24.4 million euros, framed within the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
Industry | 7/10/2023

The Government publishes the bases for granting aid 450 M €to industry gasintensiva

This line of aid will enable each company to receive compensation of up to 4 million euros and they could receive up to 25 million euros if they can show a reduction in their EBITDA of more than 30 per cent in 2022 compared with the previous year. Héctor Gómez “these subsidies respond to the concerns of firms to maintain their productive activity and will make it possible to maintain such important sectors as ceramics, paper and glass". This call comes in addition to the one published last Saturday, for 86 million euros, to compensate energy-intensive companies for higher electricity prices.
Trade | 7/10/2023

The Spanish Presidency starts with the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and New Zealand

The Agreement strengthens trade relations with the Indo-Pacific region, reduces barriers and promotes sustainable economic growth. Includes innovative sustainability commitments in the areas of the environment, fundamental labour rights and gender Héctor Gómez: The signing of this agreement reflects the EU's unwavering commitment to the advantages of trade openness, promoting strategic open autonomy.
Industry | 7/6/2023

Industry closes the 2022 call for submissions to the PROFARMA programme

The PROFARMA programme promotes competitiveness in the pharmaceutical industry by ranking and rating business on the basis of their excellence in different industrial, economic, research, development and innovation aspects. Its objective is to boost the competitiveness of the sector and promote activities that provide greater added value such as investment in new industrial plants and new technology, as well as promote RDI. In the 2022 call that is now closing, nine pharmaceutical companies have been described as “excellent” by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.
Industry | 7/4/2023

The government is devoting more than €214M to drive the digital transformation, growth and training of entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises

Héctor Gómez “These five programmes reflect a significant number of investments directed towards strengthening the ecosystem of small and medium-sized enterprises and Spanish startups, improving their competitiveness and growth through strengthening their resilience and boosting the digital transition”.
Trade | 7/4/2023

The government is modernizing the investment policy, strengthening legal certainty for investors and companies

This new Royal Decree provides a clear, predictable and legally secure application of Spanish investment control regulations. Héctor Gómez "The attraction of foreign investment to Spain has been a fundamental element in driving the modernization of the economy and the creation of productive, stable and quality employment."
Industry | 7/4/2023

The government authorized €86M to offset charges to electro-intensive companies

Expenses corresponding to 2022 are subsidized. The aid intensity can reach up to 85% of the costs incurred. Héctor Gómez: "These aids are key for the industrial sector because it improves its competitiveness and strengthens its industrial capacities and employment."
Tourism | 7/4/2023

Spain records best May ever in number of tourists and expenditure at destination.

May registered 8.2 million tourists, 4% more than the previous record in 2019. There has also been an increase of a million visitors with respect to April, in which Easter was celebrated. In the first five months, Spain received 29 million arrivals, 28% more than the same period in 2022, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). Tourism expenditure in May is also record high, at 9.7 million euros, 21% more than in 2022 and 19% compared to the best pre-pandemic data (2019). Hector Gómez says "we are in the early days of a historic summer for tourism, and today's traveller and expenditure data is following the extraordinary path of recent months; quality and competitiveness to remain world leaders”.
Industry | 7/3/2023

27 strategic projects are submitted to the call for the industrial transition in the pharmaceutical and medical devices

The line of aid provided by the ministry of industry, commerce and tourism of Health within L avant-garde has received 24 companies projects valued at over $114 million euros. The companies are determined to foster industrial transition of the pharmaceutical sector towards a more sustainable model with the government's drive.
Industry | 6/30/2023

Seventy-eight per cent of the projects submitted to the IDI manufacturing industry grant line focus on sustainability plans

The call for IDI line grants for innovation and sustainability plans in the manufacturing industry, with a budget of €188 M, has received 253 project applications from 223 companies: 198 for the sustainability line and 55 for R&D&i. Total investment for the projects amounts to €423.3 M, with 92% -almost €391 M- allocated to sustainability. By Autonomous Community, Catalonia and Valencia have submitted almost half the applications and, together with Castilla and León, would account for over half the budget.
Tourism | 6/30/2023

Tourism employment in Spain records the highest firgure in the histroical series with 2.75 million social security contributors

The number of employees has grown by 6.7% compared to May 2002, and the number of self-employed people has grown by 0.5% Héctor Gómez says that “this is great news at the beginning of what will be a historic summer in terms of both the number of tourists and spending; the number of jobs is growing, and even better, so is the quality of employment ”
Tourism | 6/29/2023

The minister Héctor Gómez announced the creation of a high-level forum with the participation of the tourism sector

Héctor Gómez, “ this forum will serve to strengthen collaboration público-privada, share knowledge and strategies are put in place innovative tourist offer a comprehensive vision of our tourist ecosystem ”. The minister of industry, commerce and tourism has chaired in Parador de chinchón, in Madrid, a meeting where they have laid the foundations for the future Forum. It has also deployed the main aspects of the line of tourism – TURIMPULSA- Plan endowed with eur 1 billion that the government of spain submitted to brussels in addition to the recovery Plan, transformation and Resilience. The meeting has assisted the secretary of state of tourism, Rosana Morillo Paradores president of the spanish government, Pedro Saura, and leaders of this sector alojativo, travel agencies, technology and the airlines.
Industry | 6/29/2023

A total of 178 companies present projects for the programme “ Active Funding” support industrial digitization amounting to 84.4 M €

Dominated by projects presented at the Activa-Pyme line, with 129 applications. By Autonomous Communities, catalonia, followed by Madrid, Andalucia and aragón, leading of projects submitted, taking approximately 80% of the total. Active line Financing 2023 aims to support the development of industrial research projects, development projects, as well as pilot projects in the field of organization and processes, in the area of industry Connected 4.0 and aimed at the fulfilment of the objectives of the same.
Tourism | 6/26/2023

413 Spanish beaches, awarded for their quality, sustainability and safety.

The Spanish Institute for Tourism Quality (ICTE) delivered the awards at the Ministry of Tourism The awards certify that the beaches comply with internationally approved requirements
Tourism | 6/23/2023

Spain highlights actions taken to recover tourism at G20

Morillo highlights the public network of protection measures for workers and companies and investment in healthcare as successful formulas for recovering pre-Covid figures The Secretary of State joins the countries denouncing the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia
Tourism | 6/20/2023

Tourism will invest $14.7 million in the rehabilitation of National Heritage properties

Residences in Madrid capital, Aranjuez, El Escorial and La Granja de San Ildefonso. National Heritage manages 19 palaces and houses, 10 monasteries and convents, which make up the network of Royal Sites in Spain, and that are home to more than 160,000 artefacts of historical and artistic interest.
Trade | 6/20/2023

Foreign investment in Spain up 20.3% in the first quarter of 2023

Industry tops the investment rankings Héctor Gómez:The Government's economic policy is key to generating confidence abroad, as demonstrated by the today's data. Legal certainty and solid economic growth reflect Spain strong position.
Tourism | 6/16/2023

In May, Spain exceeded 8.8 million international air passengers, 13.9% more than a year ago

In the first five months of the year, Spain welcomed more than 34 million passengers, 28.8% more than over the same period in 2022. Héctor Gómez "These data confirm the excellent performance of tourism in the first half of the year. Our forecast for the high season is that we will exceed the 2019 pre-pandemic figures for tourists, overnight stays and spending at destination".
Industry | 6/15/2023

Arcelor presents the Ministry of Industry with its application for the EUR 450 M grant to decarbonise of the Gijón plant

Héctor Gómez “This is excellent news with which progress is made towards the production of ‘green’ steel in Asturias. The government is fulfilling its commitment to accompany industry in the process of decarbonisation in order to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and improve efficiency”.
Trade | 6/15/2023

Spanish exports up by 9.2% year-on-year to April, an all-time high

Trade deficit falls by 50% in the first four months of the year Héctor Gómez: In the first quarter, the deficit has halved thanks to Spanish exports.
Industry | 6/9/2023

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism will mobilize over 8.7 billion from the addendum to the recovery plan to strengthen PERTEs and tourism plans.

For Héctor Gómez, “this is the boost that will enable a giant leap forward to be made in the transformation of Spanish industry and the modernisation of our productive network”. Two new funds of 2.4 billion euros have been created, managed by Cofides to generate sustainable investments
Trade | 6/7/2023

Minister Héctor Gómez strengthens trade relations with United States in anticipation of the European Presidency

The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism welcomed his US counterpart to discuss key issues such as the agreements with Latin American countries, the Spanish presidency of the EU and the bilateral cooperation achieved during Pedro Sánchez's last visit to the White House. Héctor Gómez: "Strengthening the EU's trade relations with the US will be a priority for the European presidency, in order to ensure a path of economic growth and innovation in both countries". The Spanish Government appreciates the commitment of US to undertake the reform of the World Trade Organization.
Tourism | 6/1/2023

Spain recorded its best April ever in terms of international tourist numbers and spending levels, 20% above the pre-pandemic record

In the first four months, Spain received 21 million arrivals, 32.4% more than in the same period in 2022, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). Visitor and spending records were also broken in April: 8.48 billion euros, up 22.7% on 2022 and 20.2% on the best pre-pandemic figure (2019). Héctor Gómez: “These are extraordinary figures that show, once again, that Spain is at the forefront, that tourism is recovering fully and that the government's policies are working”.
Tourism | 5/31/2023

The Government opens the deadline to apply for 244 million euros in CO2 aid for the electro-intensive industry

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism has published the 2023 call for applications for compensation of costs for indirect emissions greenhouse gases. The deadline for applications is 20 working days, ranging from 1 June to 28 June this year, both inclusive. “We have responded with determination and speed in order to protect the business network in face of the increase in energy prices”, expressed the minister Héctor Gómez.
Industry | 5/29/2023

The Government is launching two lines of aid for the digital transformation and sustainability of industry for the amount of almost 220 M €

The R&D&i Line is aimed at promoting innovation and sustainability in the manufacting industry with €188 M. The areas covered by this first call for applications range from the circular economy and eco-innovation applied to improving value chains, to decarbonisation and energy efficiency. The Active Financing Line will support the development of industrial research and innovation projects, and is endowed with €30 M.
Tourism | 5/19/2023

Spain exceeds 8.1 million international air passengers in April, 16.9 per cent more than a year ago

In the first four months of the year, Spain received 25,262,701 of air passengers, 34.9 per cent more than for the same period in 2022. Héctor Gómez said, "These first four months has been very good in terms of tourism. Spain boasts a high-quality and robust sector, which is a source of wealth and employment and one of the flagship industries of our country.”
Trade | 5/18/2023

The trade deficit was reduced by around 57% in the first quarter of the year

Spanish exports increased by 14.6% year on year January-March 2023. Héctor Gómez: “The figures for the first quarter of the year are very positive for our external sector, which is undeniably the driving force behind economic growth and employment generation in our country”
Industry | 5/18/2023

The call to tender for the grants programme to support Innovative Business Groupings (IBG) has received 446 requests totalling more than 96 M €

Projects presented in collaboration between different IBG and companies which are members of the same predominated. By Autonomous Community, Catalonia, Aragon and Andalusia, lead the number of projects submitted, forming approximately 65% of the total. Support for the strengthening and activity of so-called innovation “clusters” is part of the European strategy for improving competitiveness through innovation.
Industry | 5/17/2023

The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism supports industrial and artisan business initiatives in Castilla-La Mancha

Héctor Gómez “Castilla-La Mancha has great potential for innovation in production processes and to take advantage of future sectors such as green steel”
Industry | 5/17/2023

41 companies choose to try out reduced working hours without cutting wages

Héctor Gómez “This pilot programme shows that companies are open to new ways of organizing their workdays, with reductions in working hours without affecting wages but improving thier results, it's a win-win situation for both SMEs and employees”. This pilot project seeks to collect data to form a reliable assessment that can be extrapolated to all small and medium-sized companies in the industrial sector.
Tourism | 5/9/2023

The Government approves 175 projects for sustainable tourism that will mobilize 478 million euros in European funds

Héctor Gómez: “These projects represent a step forward in improving the competitiveness of our tourist destinations and a commitment to a new, more sustainable and digital model that increases their capacity to unite the territory.” The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism has allocated a total of 1,858 million euros to local and regional tourism projects over the last three years.
Trade | 5/4/2023

Spain will provide Colombia with financial assistance up to a maximum of 1 billion euros

Héctor Gómez “I would like to highlight the significant presence of spanish companies in Colombia and the firm and solid commitment they continue to make towards the growth and sustainable development of this country. Today there are more than 800 spanish companies installed in Colombia, in all sectors of the economy ”. Spain and Colombia sign a protocol to promote exports of Spanish goods and services.
Tourism | 5/4/2023

Spain welcomes 13.7 million international tourists in the first quarter, a 41% over the same period of 2022

In the first three months of the year of the tourist spending increased 44.7%, compared to 2022, reaching 17.201 million. Héctor Gómez “These data show that 2023 has so far been an extraordinary year for tourism, the result of a policy aiming to provide quality without sacrificing quantity”.
Industry | 5/3/2023

The Government apporves €98.5 M to fund technology companies, SMEs and young entrepreneurs

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism will allocate these funds to the National Company for Innovation (ENISA), which will manage the lines of funding through participative loans. It is estimated that these three lines of funding will cover about 470 business projects that are induced investment of more than 170.4 million euros.
Industry | 4/25/2023

The European Commission authorizes €450 M of aid for industrial companies with a high consumption of gas

The aim of this aid is to compensate for additional costs of companies in 2022 caused by the extraordinary increase in natural gas prices. The EC decision will allow the publication of the regulatory bases for aid and the subsequent processing of the call for applications in 2023
Trade | 4/20/2023

Exports up to February reach a new record high with an interannual increase of 12.8%

Héctor Gómez “Trade flows remain at historical figures, which points to the excellent position of our companies in international markets ” The trade deficit was reduced to 2.465 billion in February
Industry | 4/20/2023

The Government intends to make available a line of guarantees of at least €150 million to facilitate Abengoa's internationalisation.

According to its proposal, Cox Energy is committed to keeping the 9,505 jobs, to continue productive activity for at least the next three years and maintain the business headquarters in Seville.
Tourism | 4/18/2023

The government has authorized works for the new headquarters of the World Tourism Organization

The new headquarters of the world tourism organization is housed in the exhibition and conference centre of Madrid. The decision will help to bid, the extension of building B of the Palacio de Congresos of 24.6 million euros.
Tourism | 4/18/2023

Spain exceeds 6.5 million international visitors in march, 30% more than a year ago

Héctor Gómez: "Spanish tourism in the first quarter is on track to break all records. Spain can boast of having a robust and modern tourism sector, which is a source of wealth and our best letter of introduction as a country." This month of March had the second highest number of international travelers since 2000
Industry | 4/13/2023

Distribution of aid for the reduction of working hours without salary cuts begins

For minister Héctor Gómez, “this pilot programme offers industrial SMEs a new way to organize and reduce their working hours without affecting wages and thus improve their business results”.
Industry | 4/4/2023

The Government approves €450 M for the Arcelor circular hydrogen project in Asturias

This grant is part of the Decarbonisation Plan for Recovery, Transformation and Resilience.
Tourism | 4/3/2023

Spain receives 8.5 million international tourists during the first two months of 2023, 50 per cent more than a year ago

The tourism expenditure is, with maximum 5.326 million euros in february, exceeding the prepandemia expenditure Héctor Gómez “ being a beginning of exceptional year for tourism, on the brink of Holy Week in which we anticipate its fight occupation and expense ”
Industry | 3/23/2023

Industry and the Galicia Automotive Technology Center have signed a collaboration agreement to launch the future Spanish Network of Laboratories for Autonomous and Connected Vehicles

Reyes Maroto “Spain wants to have a leading role in the design and development of autonomous and connected vehicles. This agreement aims to promote a public-private collaboration model to drive connected, autonomous, sustainable and safe mobility”.
Industry | 3/23/2023

The Agri-Food PERTE has received 22 tractor projects worth €755M

Reyes Maroto “These data confirm that the public-private collaboration model promoted by the PERTE is a suitable instrument for attracting industrial projects to transform the agri-food sector, with a programme that prioritises SME participation”.
Tourism | 3/23/2023

Employment in tourism sees record high in February, with 2.46 million employees registered with Social security

Reyes Maroto "These data confirm the tourism sector's excellent start to the year, with a full recovery of employment and unbeatable perspectives for Holy Week"
Tourism | 3/22/2023

Rosana Morillo highpghts the joint work of the government, the rest of the pubpc administration and social partners to transform Tourism and strengthen Spain's brand

The data on international visitors, expenditure, balance of payments and social security affipation show an almost complete recovery three years after the Covid-19 pandemic Morillo underpned that the State had pledged over €25,000 milpon to the sector's recovery and would earmark another €3,400 to drive its sustainabipty and digitization
Industry | 3/20/2023

The Government provides €200,000 for the El Bierzo agro-industrial park feasibility study

Reyes Maroto "El Bierzo's socio-economic development is a priority for the Spanish Government. This project will promote new activities and employment using the region's own resources"
Tourism | 3/20/2023

Reyes Maroto announced that Turespaña will be responsible for carrying out the second phase of work on the Leon Parador

The government has invested €23 million to promote the province's tourism and commercial sector over the past three years
Industry | 3/14/2023

The government has authorized calls valued at €2,069M, 50% of the earmarked funds

Reyes Maroto “The PERTE for electric and connected vehicles has become an essential tool to make Spain a global benchmark in electro-mobility and attractive place for new investment ”.
Industry | 3/14/2023

The Government approved €15M to create 12 Digital Innovation Centres in Spain

Reyes Maroto: “These centres will contribute to the digitapzation of our SMEs, to improve their competitiveness and help generate employment, especially for young people and women”
Industry | 3/14/2023

The Government approves €244M in aid for the electro-intensive industry

Reyes Maroto: “Since 2018, we have mobilized over €662 million in state aid to help 960 production plants, demonstrating the government's commitment to this major industry ”.
Trade | 3/13/2023

Spain seeks to speed up EU trade agreements with Mercosur, Chile and Mexico

Xiana Méndez “Latin America is an essential partner for the EU to tackle the current challenges of international trade”.
Industry | 3/6/2023

Reyes Maroto “The Alliance strengthens public-private collaboration to facilitate investment in the automotive sector”

The PERTE for electric and connected vehicles has mobilized €2,069 million, 50% of the earmarked funds.
Tourism | 3/3/2023

Spain returns to prepandemic figures, with 4.1 milpon international tourists in January

Expenditure increased by 71.7% compared to January 2022 Maroto: “These extraordinary data show that tourism will be one of the drivers of the Spanish economy this year”
The Ministry | 3/2/2023

The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism joins the celebrations of Semana de la Administración Abierta (Open Gov Week)

A global initiative driven by Open Gov Week. The aim is to bring governements closer to citizens, based on the principles of transparency, accountability, participation, public integrity and collaboration.
Trade | 2/27/2023

The Government mobilized 258 million euros in 227 projects to improve the competitiveness of the business sector

The Ministry has assigned 62% of total investments under the Recovery Plan for the period 2021-23. The four lines of state aid are aimed at sustainable markets, markets in rural areas, commercial activity in tourist areas and the Tech Fund.
Tourism | 2/24/2023

The Secretary of State for Tourism participated in the opening of the 18th edition of the International Ornithological Tourism Fair

The event, organized by the Regional Government of Extremadura, brought together more than 100 exhibitors from the tourism sector in the Monfragüe National Park (Caceres) and saw more than 16,000 visitors in its last edition
Branch of industry, trade and tourism | 2/24/2023

Pablo Garde “The Government has made a firm commitment to the use and protection of industrial property rights”

Maria José Pérez-Barco from ABC Empresa and Víctor Moreno from Expansión Jurídico have been awarded first prize in the categories of “Economic and General Media” and “Legal Media and Supplements”, respectively.
Industry | 2/23/2023

The Spanish "Activa Industria" business advisory programme is going international

The Inter-American Development Bank has selected Spanish company Izertis to implement this programme based on the methodology developed by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism. This initiative is the result of successful collaboration between the two countries under the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2020.
Tourism | 2/22/2023

Maroto will drive the LGBTI+ Tourism strategy, alongside companies and associations from the community

The Ministry, the International Association of LGBTI+ Tourism and Queer Destinations company agree that the initiative is in line with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda
Industry | 2/21/2023

Industry has granted 507 participation loans for more than €83.8M to finance SMEs and entrepreneurs in 2022

By sector, ICT continues to lead the way in terms of loans approved, with 36% of applications and 35% of investments, for a total of €37 million. Reyes Maroto “The successful implementation and the number of projects funded shows that participation loans are a key resource to bolstering the creativity and talent of the entrepreneurial ecosystem”.
Industry | 2/17/2023

Reyes Maroto "We want Spain to lead the green industrial revolution at European level"

With public investment of €3.1 billion, the project envisages a total investment of up to 11.8 billion. It has created the PERTE Alliance for decarbonisation, an area of participation and dialogue between the public and private sectors to achieve the objectives of this PERTE.

News from the Ministry of the year 2023

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