The Catalan government has approved a new strategy for the internationalisation of the region's economy, covering the period from 2026 to 2030. This plan, spearheaded by ACCIÓ, the agency responsible for business growth within the Department of Enterprise and Labour, aims to strengthen and expand Catalonia's position as a leader in international business.
Key objectives of the strategy include encouraging 2,000 new Catalan companies to start exporting, increasing the number of regular exporters to 19,000, and boosting the number of firms with subsidiaries abroad. The strategy also aims to enhance the value of exports, particularly in the technology sector.
During the announcement, Miquel Sàmper, the Catalan Minister of Enterprise and Labour, revealed plans for a new ACCIÓ office in New Delhi, India, which is set to open before the end of 2026. This marks a significant step in strengthening trade relations between Catalonia and India, a strategic market for Catalan companies following a recent trade agreement with the European Union.
Strategic goals and initiatives
The strategy outlines several ambitious targets to be achieved by 2030, including:
- 2,000 new exporting companies
- 19,000 regular exporters
- 3,500 companies with subsidiaries abroad
- Over 2,000 companies exporting more than €5 million annually
- Diversification into an average of five countries per company
To achieve these goals, the strategy is structured around five specific pillars:
- A stronger and more connected internationalisation ecosystem
- More resilient and adaptable exporting companies
- Consolidation and growth in an uncertain world
- Promotion of future sectors and the knowledge economy
- Projecting the Catalan business fabric globally
From these pillars, ten lines of action and 27 initiatives have been developed. Notable initiatives include a new export initiation programme, a service to promote market diversification, and a financing line in collaboration with the Catalan Institute of Finance (ICF) to support internationalisation projects.
Collaborative approach
The strategy was created through a process of debate and consensus involving over 110 key stakeholders from the Catalan internationalisation ecosystem. This collaborative spirit aims to enhance territorial support for internationalisation and address the main challenges faced by Catalan businesses in the global market.
Challenges identified include the need to broaden the export base to maintain Spain's leadership in international sales, geographical diversification, and enhancing the adaptability and resilience of companies in response to international trade disruptions.
With the opening of the new office in New Delhi, ACCIÓ will have eight offices in Asia, including locations in China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, among others. The agency operates nearly 40 international offices, covering over 100 markets, and aims to double Catalonia's exports over the next five years, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 20%.
For every euro invested in this internationalisation network, it is estimated that €22 in exports and €55 in foreign investment are generated.
