It is an attraction of the government of 2.9 million euros daily.
The General Minister of Catalonia, Miquel SÀmper, explained that the government captured more than 1,000 million euros of foreign investments in 2024 for the first time, with over 8,229 jobs created and maintained through 106 projects, resulting in «exceptional» outcomes.
He shared this information at a press conference, along with the Secretary of Business and Competitiveness and the CEO of Acció, Jaume Baró i Torres; and the Executive Director of Acción, Joan Romero, where they presented the results of the foreign investment capture in 2024 through Acció, the agency for competitiveness of the ministry.
Sámper stated that the volume of investments reached a new «historical record» at 1,051 million euros, representing a collection by the government of «2.9 million euros every day,» appreciating the data as exceptionally positive.
This volume of investments also allowed for a historical record in job creation and maintenance, with over 8,200 jobs through a total of 106 foreign investment projects, showing a 19% increase in investment volume and a 44% increase in job creation and maintenance.
He also noted that these figures are based on realized and operational projects that have come to Catalonia with the support of Acció, without considering financial investments, stating that it is «part and not the total» of global investments.
Sectorial collection
On the other hand, Baró explained that industry and technology are «strategic pillars» for Catalonia, as 37% of the realized investments were allocated to factories; 27% went to technology, and 10% to research and development, emphasizing that 52% of the projects and over 4,000 created jobs are related to digital and ecological transformations.
Regarding the specific sectors that attracted investment, 22% went to ICT and electronics, where Baró sees a «competitive advantage» for Catalonia, while 14% was assigned to cars and 11% to chemicals and plastics, ensuring a focus on diversification.
Among the reasons why investors choose Catalonia, the report highlights access to talent and Catalonia’s ability to create, maintain, and attract this talent, as well as infrastructure, technology, innovation, quality of life, and geostrategic location: «we are on the decision map.»
Baró also highlighted that Acció has more than 500 projects in the portfolio and explained that 34% of the projects come from companies without prior presence in Catalonia, which they view positively, while 66% are reinvestments.
More than half of the presented projects come from European countries (54%): 11% from Germany, 9% from France, and 6% from Belgium, while 9% come from the United States.
Baró also noted an increase from 15% to 22% in projects coming from Asian countries, on par with America (22%), and mentioned that on the 21st of this month, they will travel to China for 10 days to seek potential investments and strengthen ties.
International context
Sàper highlighted an increase in protectionism in the international context and the fragmentation of the world, with growing tensions between countries: «If foreign investment collection is important in a stable context, it is even more critical in the extremely complex and complicated world we live in today.»
Therefore, he stated that government action is crucial to «attract transformative projects with a real impact,» making foreign investments a priority for the government to address challenges and strengthen Catalonia’s competitiveness to lead in Spain and Europe.
The minister mentioned that these data «send a message of special importance to international investors who trust in Catalonia» to contribute to their value in expansion plans and growth strategies, demonstrating Catalonia’s competitiveness in the international context of industry and technology.
Sámper reported on this stage of what he described as institutional tranquility and legal certainty, which he considers essential for investing: «The combination of these two things generates trust and makes Catalonia a trusted partner.»
Additionally, he assured that the results of 2024 are particularly positive in an environment that «foresees a decrease in global foreign investments» around 8%, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.