subject: The following 7 reasons outline why Spain is a great country for your business to re-locate, expand and invest in [print this page] The following 7 reasons outline why Spain is a great country for your business to re-locate, expand and invest in
The following 7 reasons outline why Spain is a great country for your business to re-locate, expand and invest in.
1. Attractive economic climate
Spain is the ninth leading economy in the world, with average growth significantly superior than other European Union countries.Sectors with high technological value and a significant level of Research and Development offers individuals and businesses various lucrative opportunities to invest in Spain. Such sectors comprise of Sports and Leisure, the Environment and Water Treatment, Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Aeronautics and Aerospace, and sustainable Energies, in particular to Solar and Wind Energy.
2. Competitive trade environment -
With cost of living still relatively low in comparison to other major European economies, companies can pay less wages to employees. Lower charges and overheads for office and industrial warehouse leasing than other Major European countries is helping to attract businesses, expand, re-locate and invest in Spain. Company tax (30% and 25%, discounts for Small to Medium sized Enterprises) lower than countries such as the U.S.A. and the OECD average.
A rewarding system for business tax deductions has helped to attact overseas investors, businesses and corporations to invest in Spain. Tax incentives for Research and Development are among the best in OECD countries, with Spain ranking second behind France.
3. Generous incentives for investment
To attract businesses to invest in Spain a wide range of Regional and Central Government financial and fiscal incentives have been put in place to stimulate innovation, technological improvements and Research and Development initiatives in areas which are considered key due to their growth potential and impact on the Spanish economy.
Many investors and businesses within the wealthier countries of the world have seized upon the opportunities to invest in Spain as the following statistics demonstrate. In the first nine months of 2010 direct foreign investment in Spain has increased from the USA by 79%, the UK by 102%, the Netherlands by 170% and Italy by 276%. Topping the charts though has been China, who registered an increase in its investment in Spain of 511%. This trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future due to a recent invest in Spain agreement between the Chinese and Spanish Government.
4. Internet Availability
Due to the vital importance the internet plays in a business, Spain is a great country to invest in as it is leader in Europe in terms of broadband usage by companies. 97% of them having internet access and 98.2% of them using broadband at. With a growing number of Internet providers emerging in Spain in the last few years, broadband charges are very competitively priced in comparison with other countries worldwide.
5. Strategic Geographic Location
Many businesses and corporations have decided to invest in Spain due to its exceptional location for key markets in Southern Europe and Latin America. More than 10,300 foreign companies have decided to invest in Spain, 75 of which are Forbes Top 100 multinationals. Businesses that invest in Spain can take advantage of the close proximity to more than 500 million consumers in Europe and a gateway to the countries of North Africa, with 209 million consumers and South and Central America, with over 578 million consumers.
Many businesses have decided to re-locate, expand and invest in Spain due to to its excellent rail, road, waterways and airport infrastructure. Madrid and Barcelona are two of the largest airports in Europe and ranks 3rd in Europe in passenger traffic. Three of the ten largest container ports in Europe are in Spain (Valencia, Algeciras and Barcelona). Spain boasts the number one network of freeways and divided highways in Europe and the 4th largest rail network among the 15 other European countries.
6 . Skilled Workforce
Businesses that have opted to invest Spain have take advantage of a highly qualified workforce, ranking 4th in Europe in people with post-secondary education in scientific/technical areas, behind Germany, United Kingdom and France. Spain has a higher ratio of scientific and technical workers with post-secondary education to the general population than these three countries, surpassed only by Finland and Denmark. The Financial Times ranks three Spanish business schools in the top 20 by the Global MBA ranking.
7. Quality of Life-style
Many researches have shown that a happy worker is far more productive and likely to stay longer with a company than one that is unhappy. This is an excellent reason for a company to invest in Spain. The quality of life far exceeds the quality of most of other European countries. In fact, Spain is ranked 2nd in Europe in quality of life by expatriates. It has the best health care system and a rich history and cultural heritage. Spain has a unique and internationally famous cuisine and 4,970 miles of coastline and lovely beaches, with an excellent climate, considered to one of the best in the world.
With commercial premises at all time lows, great tax incentives, a large pool of skilled workers to choose from, an excellent transport system in place, an established and safe business environment, not to mention a great place to live, it has never been a better time to re-locate, expand and invest in Spain!
