Invest in Spain

On the 4th of June the Minister of Industry, Miguel Sebastián, appeared before the Industry, Tourism and Trade Commission in the Chamber of Deputies of the Spanish Parliament to announce the launch of the “Made in Spain” plan.

This instrument for bolstering Spanish brands abroad, the objective of which is the enhancement of the country’s image, will require an investment of 20 million euros.

Miguel Sebastián explained that the pilot project of the initiative will be carried out in the United States and will be divided into four main sections: 'Spanish technology for life', to promote Spanish technology; 'America reads Spanish', to foster the reading of Spanish and an on-line television channel; the promotion of foodstuffs and wines and a boost for consumer goods such as shoes, ceramics and clothing.

The Industry Minister went on to describe the choice of the United States as the result of the growing presence of Spanish companies in the country, the favorable exchange rate and the arrival of a new government in the country following presidential elections next November.

The investment will be channeled through the Foreign Trade Institute (ICEX) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and the Ministry of Culture will collaborate in its development.

Sebastián added that the "the project is ambitious and integrating", since it looks to "coordinate initiatives in the public and private sector". “The enhancement of our country image is one of the challenges of this legislature and one of the key instruments for fostering the access of Spanish companies and products to international markets” explained the Minister of Industry in the Chamber of Deputies of the Spanish Parliament.

“In Spain’s case, it is clear to everybody that even though our image has improved greatly over the last 30 years, we are still not perceived in our true light: the eighth economic power in the world and the third issuer of direct investment in 2006”, he concluded.