Record 9,255 multinationals have presence in Catalonia, up 62% in 10 years

There are a record 9,255 foreign companies with a presence in Catalonia, 62% more than 10 years ago, according to data from a study by Catalonia Trade & Investment (known as ACCIÓ in Catalan).  

Catalan president Pere Aragonès revealed the figures on Wednesday at an event called Passeu '23, at the National Theater of Catalonia. 

By country, the United States leads the way with 15% of the total foreign companies, followed by France (14%), Germany (12%), the United Kingdom (10%) and Italy (8%). 

There has been a noteworthy increase in the number of Asian companies, including from Japan (up 11.6% year-on-year), Singapore (up 8.3%) and China (up 0.5%).  

A total of 90 countries have bases in Catalonia, according to the report. 

In terms of investment, the Finnish video game company Rovio, Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical AstraZeneca, and German airline Lufthansa stand out in the past year. 

"We have more subsidiary companies than ever before because Catalonia generates more opportunities than ever before," Aragonès told an audience that included 250 managers of foreign companies. 

100 more foreign companies in a year 

The study by Catalonia Trade & Investment also shows a "growing interest" from foreign multinationals to locate in Catalonia. 

One in four companies has set up in Catalonia in the last five years, and the number of foreign multinationals has grown by 100 companies in the last year alone. 

By turnover, the largest sectors are automotive (16%), food (14%), chemical (12%), pharmaceutical (7.5%) and ICT (4.4%). 

Aragonès highlighted the contribution of foreign companies in Catalonia to the "boost" experienced by the labor market, saying that one in five jobs created are generated by international companies. 

"We are the third [best performing] territory in Western Europe in creating jobs linked to foreign direct investment projects," he said. 

600 foreign investment projects, 55% industrial 

The Catalan government, via Catalonia Trade & Investment, is currently working with a portfolio of 600 projects from international companies that can potentially invest in Catalonia, 50% more compared to pre-pandemic levels, Roger Torrent, Minister for Business and Work, explained at the event. 

"This is a great barometer that demonstrates the competitiveness of Catalonia with regard to attracting investments," he said. 

More than half of the projects are industrial (55% of the total), 11% are R&D and digital projects – in strategic areas such as semiconductors – and 10% are based on the circular economy and decarbonization.