Foreign investment in Catalonia sets new record

Barcelona (CNA).- Foreign investment in Catalonia increased 422% during the second trimester of this year. The total amount of investment was €1,302 million, five times more than same period last year. “We have grown more than ever and we have become a point of reference in Europe” stated Catalan Minister for Business and Employment, Felip Puig. During the first trimester of 2015, Catalonia was the leading region in Continental Western Europe in terms of investment, both in total amount of investments attracted and in the amount of jobs generated. The growth registered in Catalonia is much higher than the Spanish average; foreign investment in Spain in the second trimester of 2015 was only 73% higher than that recorded during the same period last year. “These results show the world how diversified and solid our economy is” emphasised Puig.

According to data published this Monday by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, foreign investment in Catalonia in the second trimester of this year was 5.2 times higher than in same period last year; going from €249.6 million to €1,302 million. It is the highest amount for a second trimester ever recorded. 21.2% of foreign investment in Spain went to Catalonia. The sector which attracted the highest level of investment was the manufacturing sector; this sector in Catalonia attracted investments worth €354 million, which is more than three times higher than last year and represents 35.1% of overall foreign investment in this sector in Spain.

According to FDI Markets, which is the Financial Times’ database, during the first period of 2015 Catalonia was the leading region in Continental Western Europe in terms of investment, both in total amount of investments attracted and in the amount of jobs generated. 33 investment projects were attracted, which represented €2,564 million and the creation of 4,165 direct jobs. “These positive results show the world how diversified and solid our economy is” stated Catalan Minister for Business and Employment Felip Puig, who added that the Catalan economy “has a roadmap” and “is able to adapt to a world which is becoming more globalised by the day”.

 More positive data published this week refers to Catalan exports. Catalan companies exported goods and services in July worth 6,086.30 million, representing a 7.4% increase over the same month last year.