The Government of Castilla-La Mancha has announced the approval of the Strategic Plan for Internationalisation and Investment Attraction 2026-2030, as well as the Strategic Business Investment Law. These initiatives are designed to foster the growth of regional businesses, attract new investments, and create jobs.
Esther Padilla, the regional spokesperson and councillor, highlighted these initiatives during a press conference, describing them as "a new step" towards enhancing the internationalisation of Castilla-La Mancha's businesses and facilitating investment in the region.
A plan to open new markets and attract investments
Padilla praised the work carried out by the Institute for Foreign Trade of Castilla-La Mancha (IPEX) in developing the new Strategic Plan, which was based on an evaluation of the previous document and consultations with the regional business and industrial sectors through five sectoral tables. The plan outlines ten objectives, 24 lines of action, and 54 specific measures, structured into two main areas: enabling local businesses to grow in international markets and attracting new business investments to the autonomous community.
Regarding internationalisation, Padilla explained that the regional government aims to help more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) begin exporting and to assist those already selling products abroad in expanding their presence to new countries. She emphasised the importance of diversifying markets to reduce commercial dependency and enhance resilience against potential changes in demand or economic conditions in export destinations.
"A company may have a good product, but if it operates in only one country and conditions change there or demand falls, it can severely impact its business model," Padilla noted.
To address this, the plan includes actions aimed at opening new markets, promoting training, attracting specialised talent in internationalisation, and improving coordination among entities that support the business fabric.
Padilla indicated that the strategy will have concrete outcomes in the upcoming year, as the IPEX operational plan for 2027 includes 99 promotional actions across 50 markets on five continents, with approximately 900 companies from Castilla-La Mancha expected to participate. The IPEX budget is set at €5.78 million, aimed at further enhancing the presence of regional businesses in international markets.
Investment attraction
The second focus of the plan is on attracting investments. Padilla explained that strategic countries and sectors have been identified where Castilla-La Mancha has significant strengths and growth opportunities, including the agri-food industry, logistics, renewable energy, and the circular economy.
"We want more companies to choose our region for their establishment and facilitate that process, while also encouraging existing companies to continue investing in our community," Padilla stated.
To achieve this goal, the plan includes strengthening collaboration among various entities involved in managing business projects and proposes the creation of an investment attraction agency for Castilla-La Mancha.
Streamlining business projects and investing in small municipalities
As for the Strategic Business Investment Law, Padilla explained that the Government Council has approved the text, following a favourable opinion from the Advisory Council, and it will now be sent to the Cortes of Castilla-La Mancha, the regional parliament. The law aims to simplify the process for companies wishing to invest in the region, providing support and guidance throughout the entire process.
Measures include reducing timelines and prioritising the processing of projects deemed strategic, alongside enhanced coordination among the various ministries involved, such as Economy, Business and Employment, Development, and Sustainable Development.
Padilla also highlighted that investment and job creation requirements will be tailored to the size of the municipality where a company intends to establish itself. She explained, "Creating five jobs in a large city has a different impact than in a small municipality in Castilla-La Mancha."
Padilla concluded, "The Government will support the SME looking to expand internationally and the company wanting to open a facility here," emphasising the goal of making Castilla-La Mancha a top choice for future investments and job creation.
