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Copyright © 2018 Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia (INFO - Invest In Murcia) All rights reserved. INTRODUCTION WORKFORCE Region of Murcia...... 1 Summary...... 35 Maps...... 2 Universities Map...... 36 Highlights...... 3 Facts and Highlights...... 37 TABLE OF CONTENTS ECONOMY QUALITY OF LIFE Summary...... 4 Summary...... 38 Regional Sectors...... 5 Graphs...... 39 Sectors: Benefit Comparative Chart...... 40 Tourism...... 7 Agrofood...... 9 Auxiliary Industries...... 11 Aquaculture...... 13 Plastics and Rubber ...... 15 Logistics...... 17 Energy...... 19 Water Supply and Management...... 21 Chemistry and Pharmaceutical...... 23 INVEST IN MURCIA ICT...... 25 Imports/Exports...... 27 UNAI Bureaucratic Simplification...... 41 Comparative Data...... 28 Services Offered by Invest In Murcia...... 42 Foreign Investors in Spain...... 43 Investing Companies...... 44 Benefits of Setting up in Murcia...... 45 10 Reasons to Invest In Murcia...... 46

INFRASTRUCTURES Summary...... 29 Transportation...... 30 CONTACT High-speed train...... 31 Airports ...... 32 INFO...... 47 Ports...... 33 Highways...... 34

INTRODUCTION

MURCIA

Murcia is a small, single-province region The Region of Murcia has a population Murcia is one of the Spanish Regions located on the Southeast of Spain, in of 1,470,069 inhabitants, of which almost that has grown the most in the last the heart of the Mediterranean coast. a third (30.7%) live in the municipality years, becoming an ideal destination for The Region of Murcia, with a solid of Murcia. Despite its famous seaside services, shopping and the organization business network in both traditional resorts, the region is not amongst the of cultural events and conventions. and emergent industries, is well most known even within Spain, so prepared for the increasingly globalized it continues to be relatively unspoilt Murcia, the capital city, is the seventh and competitive economy of the 21st compared to other more overcrowded largest Spanish city and an important century. In addition to its over 300 days areas of the Spanish Mediterranean University town with more than 30,000 of sunny weather per year, beautiful coast. Nevertheless, its average 21º students per year. Cartagena, the region’s landscapes and delicious Mediterranean C temperature, 250+ km of beaches, second largest city, is amongst the main cuisine, the region is known for having a monuments and mountains have port cities in the country. Lorca is the very competitive cost of living compared attracted tourists for decades. third most important city in the Region to national and European averages. of Murcia.

FRANCE

Bilbao

Barcelona

Madrid PORTUGAL Valencia 3. Invest in Murcia

Alicante Seville Granada Murcia

ALGERIA MOROCCO VALENCIA AFRICA CASTILE- LA MANCHA Yecla

Jumilla

ALICANTE Cieza AIRPORT

Caravaca de la Cruz Murcia NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT MURCIA SAN JAVIER AIRPORT

ANDALUSIA Alhama de Murcia La Manga Lorca Mazarron

Aguilas Port of Cartagena

INTRODUCTION Kilometers of Beaches

HIGHLIGHTS 274

Average Temperature 21ºC

Days of Sun +300 Largest City in Spain 7th

ECONOMY

The business environment of the Region of Murcia is innovative, The Region of Murcia is home to a wide range of growing open and competitive, combining the experience and business sectors. International companies continue to set up know-how of old traditional companies with the drive and their facilities confiding in Murcia to facilitate their overseas determination of young entrepreneurs. Murcia is a commercial operations. destination not only for those within the region, but also for thousands of people from neighboring provinces who come here to benefit from the large variety of options offered.

01 PRIMARY 02 SECONDARY 03 TERTIARY

ECONOMY The Region of Murcia is a major This sector is comprised of export- The Region has a dynamic construction producer of fruits, vegetables and oriented companies specializing in and tourism industry. Whereas the REGIONAL SECTORS flowers not just in Spain, but in all of industrial production and energy and former is still recovering from the Europe. Just go to any supermarket in petro-chemistry, with Escombreras meltdown hitting the Western world Northern Europe, check the veggies being a major hub where key in 2008, the latter has not ceased to section, and you will see the name international companies in this sector grow, establishing itself as a key pillar of many of our companies on your have built plants. Canning companies for regional economic growth and job shelves! as well as multinational corporations creation. In addition to its appeal as a producing and marketing foodstuffs sun-and-beach destination, in recent Associated to this powerful primary and beverages, are two areas in which years Murcia has also consolidated as industry, the creation of a sector Murcia also houses some relevant a congress tourism favorite, with some specializing in the transformation of names in the international arena. Other venues amongst the best in Southern agricultural products over one hundred important business activities carried Europe. Cartagena, with its modern years ago, has led to significant out in the region within the secondary port, has achieved remarkable cruise agricultural modernization. On these sector include furniture, pharmacy and ship tourism growth rates of up to 10% bases, the Region has set about its shipyard. yearly, with some 230,000 visitors in expansion, confidently undertaking the 2017 (25% yearly increase). And let’s necessary social and economic changes not forget that our ever-sunny region is required to compete. a great golf destination all year round, with many courses scattered around FACTS Murcia.

With just over of Spain’s territory, The expansion and upgrade Caravaca de La Cruz, awarded by the 2% project carried out by Repsol in its Pope the Jubilee Year in 1998, is one the Region of Murcia accounts for Cartagena refinery is the largest of only five holy cities worldwide to 21.2% of the national fruit and industrial investment ever made in have such distinction. It is a favorite vegetable export revenue. In the Spain: destination for pilgrims and travelers case of lettuce, grapes, celery, lemon, looking for an inspiring, different cabbage, spinach and melon, that €3.2 billion!!!! and enjoyable place. percentage is well over 60%!!!!

MAIN BUSINESS AREAS ECONOMY

SECTORS

Tourism Agrofood Auxiliary Industries Aquaculture

Water Supply and Plastics and Rubber Logistics Energy Management

Chemistry and ICT Pharmaceutical (Information Communication Technology)

ECONOMY

The word Spain is a synonym of The regional government, aware that BUSINESS AREA 1 tourism. Our country, with a population there is still much to be done within the of 46 million, is the second most visited tourist sector, has not only contributed worldwide, with over 82 million tourists to diversifying the origin of tourists, in 2017! These numbers continue but also created a portfolio to show to grow, both in arrivals from other investors the most interesting business countries as well as in turnover and opportunities within this industry. national GDP contribution. As a whole, tourist activities provide Murcia is a small region but its size is direct employment to 48,725 workers no obstacle when it comes to tourist in the region, 55,000 when indirect Tourism arrivals: over 5.2 million yearly. Over the jobs are considered. Direct tourist last few years, Murcia has focused on employment contributes 9.6% to the diversifying its tourist portfolio, which Region’s total (11.2% if indirect jobs are now includes options in sun and beach, added), with an increase of nearly 2% mountain, golf and water sports, natural in the last six years. In 2017, the tourist parks, gastronomy, health centers, sector generated nearly 3,000 new jobs, congresses, as well as wine, cultural totaling nearly 50,000 direct jobs in and religious destinations. In the last the sector (6% more than in 2016). The decade, the regional tourist activity target is to reach 55,000 direct jobs in increased 17%, with more Spaniards the tourism industry by the year 2019. and foreigners visiting the region and international tourism increasing 2 Tourism plays a key role in the percentage points above the national socioeconomic structure of Murcia. average (4.9%). Regional tourist activities generated some €2.8 billion in 2016, contributing Although a total of 52.9% of about 10% of Murcia’s GDP. This international tourists in the region come strength of the tourist sector has led to from the UK, since 2008 other thriving the creation of an important network markets have increased their share, of product and service suppliers namely Nordic Countries (+12.9%), which last year had a turnover of €557 France (+2.2%), Ireland (+10.1%), million, 2% of the regional GDP. Belgium (+9.6%), Italy (+23.6%) and Russia (+5.5%). Copyright © 2018 Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia (INFO - Invest In Murcia) All rights reserved. Country of Origin of Foreign Tourists (2016) 20 Golf Courses in Murcia 08 Other 17.8% Ireland 4.3% United Kingdom MURCIA Germany 5.4% 52.9%

9.1% Scandinavia France Spain last year 10.5% Altorreal surpassed the Hacienda Corvera Riquelme United States to Golf become the world’s Messa Trajectum Principal Tourist Areas Based on Money Spent El Valle La Peraleja (Source: ITREM) second most visited La Torre Sierra Golf country after Saurines de Torre Pacheco la Torre Golf Roda Golf Mar Menor France, with over 82 Alhama million tourists! Other Signature La Serena 22.5% Sun, -Spanish Prime Minister La Manga Club Mariano Rajoy (01.11.18) Beach, Sensol Nature Lorca Golf Hacienda 40% Golf del Alamo Nautical Sports 7.3% 8.1% Golf 10.9% 11.2% Business & Culture & Meetings Religion

Main investors are Phoenix, the Chilean group which has paid €22 million to purchase and A key contributor to those prospects is golf COMPANY owning one of the two 5-star hotels in the remodel the Hotel Doblemar, in La Manga. In tourism. The region, due to its great weather, region (the other is La Manga Club) as well total, sectoral investment is calculated at €560 attracts golf players throughout the year to its 20 HIGHLIGHTS: as groups Silken and Tryp, owners of iconic million last year, a figure expected to increase in high-quality courses all located within 50k of each hotels in Murcia. A recent investor in the the short term due to the excellent prospects of other and designed by big names including Jack region is the group Roc Hotels, the industry. Nicklaus, Dave Thomas and Seve Ballesteros.

Although catch phrases can be production is marketed mainly to inaccurate, the saying “Region of destinations in the EU and the USA. Murcia, orchard of Europe”, is spot on. The Murcian agrofood industry, pillar The regional production of grapes of the regional economy, accounts for and wine is also important. Murcia, 32.5% of employment and 28.3% of with excellent conditions for vineyard production in the region. Furthermore, cultivation and wine-making processes, ECONOMY this sector is a driver for the creation has three Appellations: Bullas, Jumilla of other innovative, leading-edge and Yecla. Over 80% of Murcian wines BUSINESS AREA 2 industries, such as farming technology, are exported, mostly to Europe and water management, greenhouses, North America, where it is increasingly agrofood machinery, packing and popular, but also to Africa and Asia. packaging, etc. Olive cultivation is also relevant as The Region of Murcia is internationally it is essential for olive oil production. known for its fruits and vegetables, Over the last few years, the Region has ancestral expertise in agricultural significantly increased its production practices and unique ecological farming of organic olive oil. Although Italy is conditions. The range of Murcian farming the main purchaser of Murcian olive products is vast in terms of fruits, oil (nearly 85% of the total), Japan and Agrofood vegetables and nuts. France also demand our products. Aware of current consumer trends, In this sector it is also important to the region allocates an increasing mention the production and marketing percentage of its land to organic of spices, mainly paprika. In fact, Murcia production (10%). In fact, Murcia is is one of the main paprika producing the Spanish region with the highest regions worldwide. percentage of land devoted to organic farming. Furthermore, the region is at According to Spain’s Ministry of the forefront in the production of 4th- Agriculture, the Region of Murcia, and 5th-range food products, which with 2.2% of the country’s territory, combine advanced processing with accounts for 5.4% of agrofood sales, healthy properties. 4.8% of raw material consumption, 5.7% of employment and 4.9% of In the Region of Murcia, the industry investments in material assets. It is of canned and bottled fruit and clear that the region is a national vegetables has historically been tied leader, not only in production, but also to the local farming production. The in the implementation of quality and regional canning industry, with over management systems adjusted to the two centuries of tradition, undertook a protocols for good agricultural practices few decades ago a deep technification demanded by the main European process which has contributed to supermarket chains. enhanced competitiveness. The canned Copyright © 2018 Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia (INFO - Invest In Murcia) All rights reserved. Distribution of exports within EU countries (2016) 10

Other EU Third Portugal 3% 14% Countries 22% Italy 6% Main Regional Exports (2017) Netherlands 6% United “Region of Murcia, Kingdom PRODUCT TONNES % over world- % over % over total orchard of Europe” France 18% wide total total EU Spain 14% Germany Apricot 11,792 4% 9% 37% 17%

Cauliflower & broccoli 192,727 17% 30% 66% The Region of Murcia, Agrofood Product Distribution (2016) with only 2.2% of the Lettuce and chicory 483,004 27% 44% 72% country’s territory, (Source: ITREM) accounts for 20% of the national fruit and Fruits Melons 172,252 8% 30% 46% vegetable exportation! 14% Grapes 76,386 2% 7% 54% Vegetables 14% Non Agrofood 53% Lemons and limes 307,503 12% 42% 64% Other Source: current results Agrofood 13%

5% Processed Vegetable 1% Wine

The agrofood sector combines tradition and The main destinations of Murcian exports Key players in this sector are G’s, Langmead, COMPANY innovation. In this context, the Region has an agrofood are EU countries (78.81%), with sales to Florette, Postres Reina, El Pozo, Ramón HIGHLIGHTS: research network which addresses the business needs other world areas, such as Libya, Algeria, Sabater and Agromark, among many of the sector. Furthermore, the universities in Murcia Japan and Saudi Arabia, increasing others. carry out research for the industry through the Liaison considerably. Offices and provide a course portfolio adapted to the professional needs of the industry and the students.

ECONOMY The auxiliary industries of the Region of being the main clients. In total, during BUSINESS AREA 3 Murcia are characterized for their deep the first eleven months of 2017, the restructuring and upgrading process Murcian auxiliary industries exported over the last few years. Murcia, a region €154 million. If the sale of metallic of strong mining tradition for centuries, products for that same period was eventually favored the development included, the number exceeded €446 of a metallurgical sector to process million. ore-extracted minerals. Nowadays, Murcia’s auxiliary industries are known There are 995 Murcian companies for ongoing use of science, technology specializing in the production of iron, and extraction of industrial metals and steel alloys and metallic products, minerals in an efficient, profitable and 40 of which are foundries and 955 Auxiliary environmentally friendly manner. The manufacturing factories. They aim of this sector is to process products account for 16% of the regional Industries that favor regional development business network. The most important and the well-being of the Murcian companies are located in Molina de population. Segura, Las Torres de Cotillas, Murcia and Cartagena. They have a large In terms of numbers, the metallurgical product portfolio: tubes, beams, industry was once again the sector with construction structures, forges, the highest growth rate in 2017. This is car body parts, tin cans, tools and rather significant considering the fierce hardware, metallic meshes, doors, competition from metal manufacturers tanks, cutlery, ammunition, etc. The in China and Russia, as well as the sector’s turnover is some €850 high energy costs. A key factor for this million. sectoral improvement was the “circular economy” (metal recycling), the The metal sector is characterized for a domestic demand revival (increased medium-low technological level and car production and construction an R&D expenditure of 6%. The key reactivation) and, above all, the increase activities are metal casting, forging of international sales. Steel piping and stamping, as well as construction and tubing exports increased over 40% products and the manufacture of in 2016, with Turkey, United Kingdom, packing and packaging, with Murcia Morocco, France, Gambia and Tunisia being a national leader. Source: CREM 12.2017

During the first eleven months of 2017, the Murcian auxiliary Industrial Investment Evolution Over the Last Four Years industry sold some €154 million abroad! 8,000,000

6,000,000

4,000,000

2,000,000

0 2013 2014 2015 2016

Source: Regional Ministry of Economic Development, Tourism and Employment General Directorate of Energy, Mining and Industrial Activities

Murcia becomes a national leader thanks to This industry currently employs some COMPANY the work of companies such as Mivisa, Crown 20,000 people, 10% of whom work for the HIGHLIGHTS: and Auxiliar Conservera. Furthermore, the multinational corporation Mivisa. role of FREMM, the organization coordinating the industry, is essential as it promotes training courses and channels innovation subsidies.

ECONOMY

BUSINESS AREA 4 Aquaculture, despite its recent are spectacular considering the small development in the Region of Murcia size of the region in relation to the rest in the 80’s, has established itself as of the country. A number of reasons an industry with significant business behind Murcia’s large aquaculture opportunities after exponential growth production are its significant business over the years. network development, investment efforts and water quality. These Although a number of species are aspects, together with swell cycles cultivated in the region, in terms of favoring different temperatures revenue the main ones are seabream, and nutrients, make Murcia an ideal Aquaculture seabass and bluefin tuna. The first two place for producing multiple species. are produced in a closed cycle, whereas Furthermore, there are many well- tuna production is based on capturing equipped fishing ports as well as a fish out in the Mediterranean Sea so that modern transport network by road, sea they can be bred and fattened. Mollusk and air that facilitates rapid distribution and maigre production is also somewhat of perishable products such as fish. important. A complete network of infrastructures Aquaculture has become so relevant has developed in parallel to this in the Region of Murcia, that the industry, as well as auxiliary sectors that construction of a new specialized market cages, nets, water treatment industrial park is being considered. The equipment, antifouling products and new premises would be the fourth of feed. The growth potential of the this kind after the ones in San Pedro Murcian Aquaculture industry is del Pinatar, Portmán and Águilas. It is remarkable, especially considering the important to mention that the region increase in world population foreseen has a sectoral management plan and by FAO: 10 billion people worldwide strategic plan, providing investors with in the 2030-2040 decade. Aquaculture, certainty and stability. in addition to being an important source of proteins to feed people, In Spain, aquaculture turnover generates wealth and employment and amounts to €377 million, 40% of which makes a smart use of water. are contributed by Murcia. These figures Copyright © 2018 Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia (INFO - Invest In Murcia) All rights reserved. 14 Distribution of Annual Seabass Production (2016) Production of Aquaculture in European Union (2017) Expressed in Throusand Tons (t) Source: Apromar

Andalusia 16.2% Valencia Spain’s aquaculture 22.7% 207t turnover is €377 Canaries million, 40% 29.3% contributed by Murcia. Murcia 207t 31.8% 198t

290t

167t

Culmarex, owned by Cooke Aquaculture With regards to bluefin tuna, Ricardo The Murcian Aquaculture COMPANY (Canada), has a €124 million turnover, nearly a Fuentes (24 million) and Bersolaz Spain are HIGHLIGHTS: third of the country’s total. Culmarex is a market important companies not only in the region, industry produces over leader in the production of seabream and but also in Spain, Europe and worldwide 11,000 tonnes and creates seabass, followed by the company Doramenor. (mainly Japan). 500 direct jobs and These two firms account for nearly 60% of The same with maigre production in Spain, Spain’s market share. led by Murcia with 56% of the country’s total. thousands of indirect jobs.

ECONOMY

At a European level, Spain is amongst In addition, a sector applying advanced BUSINESS AREA 5 the four main consumers of this engineering, technology, innovation product together with Germany, and the use of complex materials to France and Italy. In terms of manufacture primary and processed production, our country manufactures plastic materials, has been developed in some 80 % of the standard plastics the Region of Murcia. This sector, which it consumes. As for exports, Spain in a relatively short time has established sells in international markets 39% of itself as a major international player, its production of standard plastics, includes manufacturers of vessels, especially PET, with a total export helmets and hard hats, as well as volume of 64%. The Spanish plastics technologically-advanced parts and Plastics and Rubber sector, a basic industry for our components for automobiles, boats, economy, is on the rise. Last year this trucks and trains. sector had a growth rate of 7.9%. The plastics sector in the Region of In the Region of Murcia, this sector Murcia is comprised of 175 companies has a long tradition, in part because contributing some €550 million to of the significant demand for plastic the regional economy and employing materials and products from other around 2,500 people. Aware of the regional industries. The strength of significance of this sector, the Murcian the farming and agrofood industries education authorities launched training led to the development of a solid services for technicians in thermoplastic plastics sector which supplies materials polymer processing. Murcia is the fourth for farming, packing and packaging, region that more rubber and plastic for fresh and processed food products, products exported last year, with a as well as equipment for fertigation sector turnover increase of 35% in systems, tanks and machinery. Other five years. Murcian exported plastics for regional sectors demanding Murcia’s a value of €700 million last year, with increasing plastics production are the main markets being China (17.94%), furniture (polyurethane foam and Germany (8.53%), Turkey (7.35%) and specific materials), footwear (rubber India (5.37%). processing and other materials) and Plastics sector turnover increases 35% in construction (PVC for carpentry and five years. profiling). Copyright © 2018 Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia (INFO - Invest In Murcia) All rights reserved. 16

INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY MURCIA REGION PLASTICS AND RUBBER Murcia Region Plastics and Rubber Exports Industrial Investment In the Plastics Industry EXPORTS

3.7% of national production comes from Murcia (which comprises only 2.2% of territory) which means it production nearly doubles its size!

Murcia was home to the largest 30% year-on-year investment increase during the 2014-2016 period investment ever made in Spain ; the GE last-generation plastics factory, now owned by Sabic.

As for the large companies in this regional These companies took part in the development of programs aimed at COMPANY sector, namely Sabic, Solplast, Plasbel reducing plastic material weight and primary material consumption, HIGHLIGHTS: and Coopbox, they have their own units using less energy in manufacturing processes and packaged product for research, technological development transport, recovering a larger percentage of plastic material waste and and innovation, and operate in a context increasing plastics recycling and reusage. All this has contributed to of ever-changing conditions and environmental impact minimization. knowledge transfer.

According to the World Bank, Spain the highest growth rate in Europe, it ranks 23rd in the international list for ranks first in liquid bulk cargo nation- logistics performance. At a European wide and fifth in freight transport. ECONOMY level, the Spanish logistics sector is fifth in employment and transported Other factors allowing Murcia to be at freight volume and fourth in sea the forefront of logistics are, on the one BUSINESS AREA 6 freight transport. A number of factors hand, cost effectiveness, competitive contribute to the excellent performance demand-adapted services and, on the of this sector, including the strategic other hand, industrial land availability location of Spain as a link between in nearly 80 industrial parks where Europe and Latin America, Northern key logistics projects are developed Africa and the Middle East, as well as a at a national and European level. The first-class highway and freeway network Region’s large industrial, agricultural and and the active role of international service production has always required transport stakeholders who are having a quick, efficient distribution highly experienced and specialized. network. This has allowed Murcian Furthermore, Spain is the European logistics sector agents to gain ample Logistics country with more kilometers of commercial experience and knowledge high-speed train lines and the second of this industry. worldwide. In addition to traditional logistics In the Region of Murcia, logistics activities, in the last few years there accounts for 4% of the regional GDP has been an increased need for (commerce excluded), that is 21.13% e-commerce storage and distribution, of the gross added value, 22.06% a newly-created sector with a 12.7% of employment and 4.2% of job business volume growth in 2016. This generation. Murcia is a region located sector has brought new logistics surface in a strategic axis for railway, sea and demands, as well as the creation of air connections, thus favoring logistical specialized express carrier and parcel chain optimization through multimodal services. Furthermore, the spectacular freight transport. It is important to note growth of regional tourism has that the Region’s refrigerated truck resulted in improved logistical support fleet, the largest in Spain, specializes infrastructures. in fruit and vegetable transport, an industry supplying European markets In short, logistics and transport comprise on a daily basis. Within Spain, Murcia a key sector for the Region, allowing is the region with the highest ratio of Murcia to better position itself in today’s transported tonnes per kilometer. As globalized economy. for the Port of Cartagena, second with Copyright © 2018 Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia (INFO - Invest In Murcia) All rights reserved. Principal Exports of In uencial Locations (2016) Millions of Tons

NORWAY 18 243 U.K. 509 SWEDEN 166

MURCIA U.S.A. 1,054 CHINA 543 ALGERIA 207 PANAMA GUINEA 106 239 BENIN VENEZUELA 102 357 188 GHANA NIGERIA COLUMBIA 164 TOGO 799 383 965 164 476 153 95 BRAZIL 276

973

TOTAL EXPORTS: 10,600 405 ROAD: 4,169 PORT: 6,273 193

MURCIA

Contributing firms: COMPANY Smurfit Kappa, Transportes Caliche, HIGHLIGHTS: Alfil Logistics, El Mosca, Primafrio, Grupo Disfrimur, Murcia is the region with the highest Centros Logísticos de Lidl, Campillo Palmera, ratio of transported tonnes per km Grupo Fuentes, to name a few.

ECONOMY

BUSINESS AREA 7

Spain is one of the European 67% of primary power sources countries with the most hours of generate biomass residues which can sunshine, making it a prime producer be treated and used for various forms of solar energy. of energy storage. Murcia, compared to other Spanish regions, focuses on On a global scale, Spain is the world’s the use of geothermal energy, which fifth biggest producer of wind power, accounts for 4.14% of all thermal Energy increasing penetration levels 20% and production. remaining a leader in the generation of thermoelectric solar energy. At a As for photovoltaic, Spain is the 4th worldwide level, the country is one of worldwide producer, with Murcia the most advanced in the development being the 1st region in number of of solar energy and the fourth photovoltaic installations per km2 at 33 largest manufacturer of solar power kW/km2 (8.26 kW/km2 in the rest of the technology. Spain added a record 2.6 country) GW of solar power in 2008, increasing capacity to 3.5 GW. Total solar installed As a result of a changing business capacity in Spain was 7.14 GW by the scenario, nearly 3,500 MW of fully end of 2016.1 developed solar projects were put to a halt a few years ago. Now those Spain in general, Murcia specifically, projects are waiting to be launched have optimal conditions for the back on the map! development of all self-consumption methods. Considering the high price of energy generation in some geographical areas, this is a very interesting option in terms of cost. The main feature of the renewable energy sector in Murcia is its diversification. 1. Source: Worldenergy.org Copyright © 2018 Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia (INFO - Invest In Murcia) All rights reserved. Energy generation “payback”(roof installation)

Energy Generation “Payback” (Roof Installation) Top 10 Cumulative Capacity (Dec. 2016) (kWh/m²)/year (Source: CWEC) 20 <600

Rest of years the world Italy 1.9% 2.1 2.1 years 17% 15.5% 1000 Brazil 2.2% Canada 2.4% PR China France 2.5% 34.7% 1400 UnitedFrance Kingdom 3.0% Spain India 1.2 4.7% 1.2 years 5.9% USA 1600 Germany 16.9% MARKET AND INDUSTRY TRENDS 10.3%

10,000,000 homes in Spain are powered by >2200

wind energy Country MW CSP PR China 168,732 USA 82,184 Concentrating Solar Thermal Power Global Capacity, by Country or Region Source: GWEC (2018) FigureFigure 18. 18.Concentrating Concentrating Solar Solar Thermal Power Power Global Global Capacity, Capacity, by Country by Country/Region, or Region, 2005–2015 2005–2015 Germany 50,018 (2005-2015)Data: M.J. de Wild-Scholten 2013. Image: JRC European Commision. Graph: PSE AG 2014 (Modified scale with updated data from PSE AG and FraunhoferISE) India 28,700 Gigawatts World Total Spain 23,074 5 4.8 Gigawatts United Kingdom 14,543 Rest of World France 12,066 4 Spain Canada 11,900 United States Brazil 10,740 Italy 9,257 3 Rest of the world 75,576

TOTAL TOP 10 411,214 2 World Total 486,790 1%

S o u r c e : See endnote 1 for this section. 0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 20142015

Contributing companies: COMPANY Repsol, Iberdrola, announced 14 prequalified bidders (including numerous MENA- In Latin America, construction continued on Chile’s 110 MW HIGHLIGHTS: In terms of concentrating17 solar27 thermal energy Redexis Gas, based developers) for a 50 MW facility. In Algeria, where the Atacama 1 plant. Chile saw a notable milestone for CSP when a governmentgeneration, announced plans in 2015 Spain to develop 2 GWis of CSPthe by 1sthybrid CSP/PVworldwide facility (incorporating 100producer, MW) won a baseload X-Elio, 18 28 2030,with a number Murcia of new projects were being in the development a keystage. contributor.tender that also was open to combined-cycle gas technology. Andaltia, In the Middle East, construction started on Israel’s 121 MW CSP continued its push into developing markets with high DNI Soltec y Engie Ashalim Plot B facility. Commercial operation is expected in 2017, levels and specific strategic and/or economic alignment with and an additional 110 MW phase is expected to come online in the benefits of CSP technology. In this respect, CSP is receiving 2018.19 In Saudi Arabia, Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) i increased policy support in countries with limited oil and gas facilities under construction in Duba and Waad Al Shamaal will reserves, constrainedCopyright power © 2018 networks, Instituto or de strong Fomento industrialisation de la Región de Murcia incorporate 50 MW each of CSP technology when they enter and job creation agendas, (INFOincluding - Invest South In Africa, Murcia) Morocco All rights and reserved. operation in 2017 and 2018, respectively.20 As domestic energy China.29 demand rises in Saudi Arabia, CSP is considered a strategically important technology for maintaining the country’s status as a fossil fuel exporter.21

China’s proposed CSP target of 5–10 GW by 2020 came amidst a flurry of development activity.22 Construction at the 50 MW Qinghai Delingha facility commenced in late 2015.23 The facility, which will mark the country’s first commercial CSP plant, is expected to come online in 2017.24 Additional facilities totalling several hundred megawatts are in various stages of construction, although timelines for completion remain unclear.25 Elsewhere in Asia, India’s 25 MW Gujarat Solar One facility entered construction after significant permitting delays.26

i Integrated Solar Combined Cycle facilities are hybrid gas and solar plants that utilise both solar energy and natural gas for the production of electricity.

68 21

Water management in Spain, including Research is another field in which the irrigation systems and hydraulic region has made considerable efforts, power generation, is a key element enhancing process knowledge and of economic development. Spain has developing products which have various agencies specializing in water positioned Murcian companies as ECONOMY resource management, sustainability sectoral references. Many countries with and protection, in line with the EU’s a water deficit implement processes water framework. Spain, country with and purchase technology developed in BUSINESS AREA 8 the highest number of reservoirs per our region. This technological progress capita worldwide, has a decentralized in water resources allows Murcia, main water management system, allowing agricultural producer in the country, each region to have a high level of water to be one of the Spanish regions which management autonomy. consumes less water, according to survey by INE (Spain’s National Institute Within Spain, the Region of Murcia of Statistics). is an example of comprehensive management, both in terms of water Murcia Region firms specializing in the protection and resource optimization. water resource industry have a yearly One of the aims is to support agriculture, turnover of some €750 million and Water Supply and one of the region’s key sources of employ 5,000 people. These firms, wellbeing and wealth. In fact, Murcia leaders in the implementation of new Management is the leading Spanish region in water control and management technologies, treatment and reuse per person, using are firmly committed to moving ahead over 90% of treated water for farming with the fourth industrial revolution irrigation. digitization process. The Region of Murcia, national and international As for employment in the water water management reference, has industry, it is rather stable and qualified. turned its need for water into a Technology levels in urban water competitive advantage through the services in Murcia, similarly to the rest of creation of companies specializing Spain, are amongst the best in Europe. in water resource management. Water utilities have implemented These companies are known for their multiple improvements and modern innovative capacity and high levels of technologies in all areas, such as technology exports, even to leading hydraulic techniques, treatment and water management countries such as purification processes and sensing Israel and Chile. In fact, Murcia is the and remote control methods, among second Spanish region in the export many others. This technological of greenhouses (13% of the national optimization has favored a significant total) and the first in the export of water treatment cost reduction while specific agriculture machinery, mainly maintaining water quality levels. sprayers (18% of the national total).

Relation Between Agrofood Production and Irrigated Land (Millions of euros) Water Losses (%) (Source: ICEX) (Source: ICEX) 9.63% 10 9.19%Murcia is the leading 5000

Spanish8.03% region in 8 water treatment and 4000 reuse per 6.77%person, 145.000 Irrigated Surface (hectares) 150.000 6 5.50% 5.52% using over 90% of 4.96% treated water for 3000 4 farming irrigation. 2000 Agrofood Production (hectares) 2

0 1000 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

It is important to consider that water scarcity is an Main contributing companies COMPANY increasingly frequent phenomenon and a worldwide include: Firms specializing in the water HIGHLIGHTS: concern. It is currently calculated that such scarcity resource industry have a yearly affects 40 % of the world’s population, a percentage Grupo Wind, Hidroconta, turnover of some €750 million expected to increase to two thirds by the year 2050. BEL Composites Murcia is prepared to face this increasing challenge. and employ 5,000 people.

Spain’s chemistry industry is the third This sector is also known for having most important within the Spanish more open-ended contracts (88%) economy, to which it contributes nearly than any other in Spain (65%) and ECONOMY 11% of the industrial Gross Added Value for investing more in R&D than any (GAV). Spain is considered the fifth other industry. The sectoral experience European manufacturer and eighth accumulated by Murcia has taken the BUSINESS AREA 9 worldwide producer in this sector. In region to build industrial parks adjusted addition to being a strategic industry for to the requirements of the chemical the Spanish economy due to its highly industry. This is essential because due to export-oriented and innovative nature, the specific conditions of the chemical the chemistry industry has increased industry, companies in this sector its contribution to the country’s GDP in demand installations such as waste more than 54.5% over the last 15 years. treatment plants and specific piping, In terms of employment, over half a among others, all of which are available million professionals work both directly in the Region. and indirectly in this sector. In addition to petroleum and its by- Murcia is in the Spanish Mediterranean products, this sector is comprised of a Chemistry and Rim, where most chemical industry large range of industries with a significant firms are located. Within the Region production and turnover volume. Some Pharmaceutical it is important to mention Valle de of these industries are pharmaceutical, Escombreras (Cartagena), an area cosmetics, paints, as well as plastics with a large number of petrochemical and paper items, among others. An industries with a cutting-edge aspect currently considered vital is the technological and productive level at an protection of the environment. In international level. Within this sector a this sense, Murcia’s chemistry industry product which is certainly a category of has a Global Program for ongoing its own is petroleum. In this regard, the improvement of the environment, port of Cartagena plays a key role as it safety and health, in accordance with is the main Spanish port in petroleum the sustainable development principles traffic and one the most important recognized by the United Nations and in liquid bulk cargo in the entire applied in 53 countries. In addition Mediterranean region. to this, it is important to mention the educational system of the Region which, Another relevant characteristic of this aware of the relevance of this industry sector is the proximity between primary for the Murcian economy and society, material suppliers and end clients, an offers specialized chemistry courses in advantage contributing to enhanced the 7 universities of the Region’s area services and optimized costs. of influence.

Copyright © 2018 Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia (INFO - Invest In Murcia) All rights reserved. Evolution of Chemical Sector Exports (2008-2015 Millions €) Average Annual Production Growth Among Industrial Sectors (%) (Source: INE. Industrial Company Survey, Production and Price Index and Own elaboration) Growth 2011-2030 (Millions €) (Source: VCI Prognos Study) 24 80 54.5% 70 66.157

60 Energy +5.1 50 45.225 Chemical Industry +4.5 +4.5 40 Plastic and Rubber Transformation 28.525 30.104 +4.4 26.137 27.717 Textile 30 +4.3 23.230 21.20 Metal 20 Manufacturing Industry +4.0 +3.9 10 Mechanical Engineering Automotion +3.5 0 +3.3 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Ceramics and Glass Paper +2.9 Food Industry +2.7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

China’s Contribution to Growth

Evolution of Turnover in the Chemical Sector (2008/2015 Millions €) (Source: INE. Industrial Company Survey, Production and Price Index and Own elaboration) Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry (Millions €) 1 Billion 100

80 72.314

55.657 55.117 55.282 60 52.585 53.153 47.714

0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

As for companies located in the region, the main Contributing companies include: COMPANY ones are Sabic and its polycarbonate plant, SK Sabic HIGHLIGHTS: Lubricants and its lubricant base plant, as well Saras Energía as Repsol’s mega-industrial complex, which is Takasago the most significant industrial investment ever SK Lubricants made in the country (some €3.3 billion). Francisco Aragón

At a European level, the ICT sector of professionals who are available to work Spain is the fifth most important in anywhere in the Region, Spain and the terms of revenue: €88.13 billion in 2016, rest of Europe. with a GDP contribution nearing 6% and an R&D investment volume almost Regarding the exports of technological ECONOMY doubling the numbers of the 2003- SMEs from Murcia, they increased 2009 period. In 2016, the 30,000 ICT 26% in 2016 mainly due to an sales companies operating in Spain employed increase of hardware (62.93%) and BUSINESS AREA 10 420,905 people. Direct and indirect telecommunications equipment employment in ICT was 1.2 million (22.17%). This increase is ten percentage in 2016. Furthermore, our country is points higher than in the rest of Spain. a leader in advanced technologies. The main destinations for the products For example, 3 out of every 5 flights and services of Murcian technological worldwide use Spanish software to firms were Portugal, Morocco, Chile land and 13 out of every 15 key North and China-Hong Kong. American gas and oil companies use Spanish information management Murcia Region firms in this sector are and control systems. highly dynamic and very innovative and entrepreneurial. These features, in ICT With regards to the Region of addition to favoring the development Murcia, the ICT sector is known of the fourth industrial revolution, (Information for its significant growth potential facilitate the integration of this type of and availability of state-of-the-art technologies in industrial production Communication technological infrastructures, such as and distribution processes which, Technology) the Fuente Álamo Technology Park, in turn, will contribute to increase the Murcia Scientific Park and the Data the competitiveness of the region’s Center of Kio Networks, a Mexican industrial and business structure. multinational corporation operating Nowadays the regional ICT sector, in the region since 2014. Within the which is highly focused on increasing ICT sector, companies operating in its presence in Latin American markets, the region specialize mainly in the have managed to increase the standards design and development of IT systems, of technology and service quality in telecommunications, electronics and Murcia TIC regional, partly due to the audiovisuals, customized software, arrival of important multinational ICT consultancy, generic hardware corporations. These multinational and software, web development and corporations have set up in Murcia graphic arts. Additionally, over 90% of because of our local, dynamic regional ICT firms are experts in service regional sector, as well as due to development. One of the differentiating the availability of highly qualified features of the Murcian ICT sector is its professionals, excellent connectivity workforce, comprised of highly qualified of the region and competitive costs.

ICT sector business volume for commerce and IT activities EVOLUTION OF R&D EXPENDITURE GROWTH RATES (Millions of euros) 26 (Source: ONTSI) 30

Commerce 25

15 IT Activities

EVOLUCIÓN PESO GASTO I+D/PIB 0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 % of E-commerce evolution amongst companies in ICT sector (Source: Spain’s National Institute of Statistics) 80

0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Multinational corporations leading the ICT 50,000 companies in different production and commercial COMPANY sector in Murcia include: HIGHLIGHTS: sectors of the Murcian business structure; over 20,000 KIO Networks (Mexico) companies in other Spanish regions are supplied with Murcian Capgemini (France) and NTT Data (Japan), which bought out Everis. ICT services, employing nearly 3,800 qualified technicians.

Murcia represents 2.2% of Spain’s surface area. In terms of exports, we ECONOMY account for 3.75% of the nation’s total, nearly 35% more than what IMPORTS/EXPORTS Region of Murcia our size would suggest.

(2017) Imports Exports destinations: €8,989.86billion

EU (France, Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Portugal) Murcia bought mostly (over 60%) fuels and lubricants, with the Region accounting for 3.23% of Spain’s total imports. Non EU (Morocco, South Korea, United States, China, Brazil and Turkey)

Copyright © 2018 Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia (INFO - Invest In Murcia) All rights reserved. 28 COMPARATIVE DATA COMWITHINPARATIVE SPAIN DATA WITHIN(3rd Quarter SPAIN 2016) (3rd Quarter 2016)

GDPGDP GR GrowthOWTH % % INDUIndustrialSTRIAL Production PRODUCTION Increase % INCREASE %

Asturias Cantabria Basque Asturias Cantabria Basque Country FRANCE Country FRANCE Galicia 3.1 3.1 Galicia -8.3 -3.3 2.7 Navarre -5.6 Navarre 3.4 3.1 4.5 0.5 2.6 La Rioja 2.8 La Rioja 3.6 3.1 -8.6 5.5 Castile- Leon 3.0 Castile- Leon -7.2 Catalonia Catalonia 3.1 Aragon -0.2 Aragon

PORTUGAL Madrid PORTUGAL Madrid 2.4 3.0 2.2 -3.8 3.8 4.2 3.4 5.1 Extremadura Extremadura Castile-La Mancha Castile-La Mancha Valencia Valencia Balearic Islands Balearic Islands 3.0 4.0 3.6 7.4 Andalusia Andalusia Murcia Murcia

MOROCCO ALGERIA 4.1 MOROCCO ALGERIA 1.8 3.2 1.2 Canary Islands Canary Islands

SPAIN SPAIN

INFRASTRUCTURES

In the Western World, economic growth As for sea infrastructures, the Port of With regards to road infrastructures, the is closely tied to energy consumption. In Cartagena is in a category of its own. It Region of Murcia is well interconnected that regard, Spain has a robust energy is the fourth most important freight port through a complete network of roads, mix that ensures power supply stability. in Spain, ahead of those of cities such as highways and freeways. Many high As for the Region of Murcia, it has Bilbao and Malaga. The role played by capacity roads provide companies and combined cycle and coal plants, wind this Port is of great value to the Murcian users with the possibility of traveling farms and cogeneration stations. In economy, with 60% of exports and fast and safely around our region. The addition to this, and considering that the 80% of imports out of and into the excellent quality of regional roads should region has over 300 sunny days yearly, Region going through it. In addition, be no surprise: Murcia is the second solar energy is not only the future, but the region has multiple marinas, fishing most important region in Europe in the region’s energy present with nearly ports and other smaller commercial terms of refrigerated road transport. 300 solar stations installed. In fact, ports such as those of Águilas and San Aware of this, we built highways and Murcia is one of the main photovoltaic Pedro. freeways to facilitate fast, efficient freight regions nationwide. delivery. In doing so, we benefit all users!

INFRASTRUCTURES Murcia is the second most important region in Europe in terms of TRANSPORTATION IN MURCIA refrigerated road transport

The Region of Murcia has a large railway Without a doubt, the arrival of the high- network. In addition to connecting the speed train will contribute to making main regional cities via railway, there are business connections more dynamic trains connecting our region to the main and efficient. cities in Spain and, in turn, in Europe. In this regard, it is important to mention Lastly, within a 75-kilometer range, that within a year, the Region of Murcia Murcia has three international will be connected to the rest of Spain airports connecting the region to some via high-speed train, shortening the of the main cities in Murcia, Spain, time needed to go to Madrid in half Northern Africa and Europe, including (about 2 hours and 15 minutes). major airline hubs offering flights to all destinations worldwide.

VALENCIA VALENCIA CASTILE- CASTILE- INFRASTRUCTURES LA MANCHA Yecla LA MANCHA Yecla Jumilla Jumilla CONNECTIVITY Alicante ALICANTE AIRPORT Cieza Cieza Caravaca From 2018, new de la Cruz Caravaca trains and the HV de la Cruz electrification of Murcia the Mediterranean Murcia Railway Line will NEW INTERNATIONAL MURCIA-SAN AIRPORT MURCIA JAVIER AIRPORT reduce train San Pedro del Pintar HIGH SPEED TRAIN journey times. ANDALUSIA ANDALUSIA Totana La Manga Totana La Manga

Lorca Lorca

Mazarron Cartagena Mazarron Cartagena

Aguilas Aguilas

The large railway network of the Region of Murcia is about to get much larger. The Mediterranean Corridor, a European project which runs nearly 10,000 km through 6 EU countries (Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary), will be a great business and investment opportunity for all kinds of industries and including the real estate sector. Source: European Commission

VALENCIA VALENCIA CASTILE- CASTILE- LAINFRASTRUCTURES MANCHA Yecla LA MANCHA Yecla Jumilla Jumilla CONNECTIVITY Alicante ALICANTE AIRPORT Cieza Alicante airport Cieza Caravaca the fifth busiest in de la Cruz Caravaca Spain, recorded de la Cruz historic high passenger Murcia Murcia numbers last year, NEW INTERNATIONAL MURCIA-SAN handling the travel AIRPORT MURCIA JAVIER AIRPORT San Pedro AIRPORTS needsdel of Pintar 12.3 ANDALUSIA million people in ANDALUSIA Totana 2016.La Manga Totana La Manga Lorca Lorca

Mazarron Cartagena Mazarron Cartagena

Aguilas Aguilas

Flying Time in Hours and Minutes *(excluding layover)

Location Madrid London Paris Los Angeles* Hong Kong* Frankfurt Amsterdam New York*

Murcia 1h 10m 2 h 30m 2h 15m 17h 17h 15m 4h 35m 2h 45m 9h 40m Sources: Google Maps

INFRASTRUCTURES

CONNECTIVITY

NORTHERN EUROPE / BALTICS NORTH AMERICA Murcia MEDITERRANEAN ASIA NORTH AFRICA

CENTRAL WEST AFRICA PORTS AMERICA / CARRIBEAN SOUTH SOUTH AMERICA AFRICA

OCEANIA

Shipping Frequency in Days North Northern Central South Destination Asia Oceania Africa America Europe America America Cartagena 3 3 7 3 3 3 3

Source: Port Authority of Cartagena

972 996 783Country FRANCE Bilbao Toulouse INFRASTRUCTURES A Coruna 587 CONNECTIVITY Castile-Leon

400 Barcelona Murcia’s network Madrid 228 of roads and PORTUGAL highways provide companies and 2.2892 Valencia users with the 80 5.1 possibility of traveling fast and Lisbon HIGHWAYS safely. 523 Alicante 399 Seville Murcia 529 Malaga Gibraltar

MOROCCO ALGERIA

Distance to cities in hours and minutes

Location Madrid Alicante Valencia Malaga Barcelona Gibraltar Seville Bilbao

Murcia City 3 h 40m 1 h 2h 26m 3h 55m 5h 40m 4h 55m 4h 55m 7h Sources:Google Maps

WORKFORCE

A key to successful investment is having access to qualified staff, This is increasingly important in the case of cross-national which in many cases is the main asset of any business. Talented investment, as it means that companies will relocate not only in managers know that good employees are hard to find and that a different country, but more importantly, in a different culture. having a qualified workforce can make a world of difference for Having the right type of employee provides companies with their companies. Business leaders need someone they can count the structure and reliability that today’s business environment on to run the company when they cannot be there. demands.

University of VALENCIA Castile-La Mancha

CASTILE- Vocational training LA MANCHA Centers have 20,500 University of new students every Alicante year specializing Miguel Hernández in Administration, University Electricity and Electronics, MURCIA Information and University of Communication, Orihuela Vehicle Maintenance University of and Tourism. San Antonio Murcia ANDALUSIA Catholic University

Polytechnic University of Cartagena

Murcia is one of the most competitive Companies do not only need “white- Murcia has official language schools WORKFORCE economies in terms of HR in Europe. collar workers”, but also “blue-collar ones”. scattered throughout the region HIGHLIGHTS: For a relatively small territory, the Not a problem. The region has nearly 100 where students learn not only number of centers providing companies vocational training centers with students European languages, but also those with access to qualified workers is registered in a large variety of courses. Another spoken in important Asian and remarkable. The Region of Murcia has key consideration is the fact that investing African countries. over 100,000 university students yearly, companies may come from anywhere in the many of whom take highly specialized world, meaning speaking foreign languages and courses in technical areas. understanding multi-culturalism is essential.

UNIVERSITIES WORKFORCE 07

STUDENTS YEARLY 120,000

VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTERS 97

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE SCHOOLS 06

QUALITY OF LIFE

In the Region of Murcia we take great pride in taking the saying “work hard, play hard” to a form of art. There is much research confirming that a happy worker is in fact a In our welcoming, outward-looking productive worker. In our region, we have everything needed to make people feel region, you will feel right at home. happy: Great temperature, the sea, the mountains, the sun, great food, concerts… the list goes on and on.

ITEM EUROPE* SPAIN MURCIA BENEFIT 1-bedroom apt. city center €721 €539 €331 Live better, pay less

% of adults with university degree 28 29 30 7 universities within 150 km

Industrial land avg. price €/m2 €368 €119 €70 Build bigger, build cheaper

Rental office avg. price €/m2 €24 €9 €7 Bring your fixed costs down

Cost of living index 75 57 52 Same service, lower prices

Groceries index 62 45 45 Eat better, save money

Crime index 39 32 22 Peace of mind

Healthcare index 77 77 79 Longest life expectancy in the EU

Hours of sunlight 1,451 2,365 >3,000 Free vitamin D!

Electricity cost (kW/h) 12 10.3 9.9 Light up your business

Expressway length (people per km) 9,978 2,653 2,460 Travel faster and safer

Petrol prices €1.33 €1.17 €1.12 Savings everytime you are at the pump Sources: numbeo, current results, statista, OCDE *Europe calculations based on France, Germany and UK data combined.

INVEST IN MURCIA

The foreign direct investment Invest in Murcia, member of the Invest The specialized, multidisciplinary team department of the Regional in Spain network, has a solid experience of Invest in Murcia provides clients with Development Agency of Murcia (INFO) supporting national and international cost-free, professional services adapted is known as “Invest in Murcia”. The companies wishing to establish their to the specific needs of your project. main objective of INFO is to promote business in the Region. The investment With the aim to facilitate investment regional economic growth and business department also promotes and facilitates projects in the Region of Murcia, an network competitiveness through reinvestment projects undertaken by Investment Acceleration Unit (UNAI) key action lines including Innovation, companies established in Murcia to was created. Internationalization, Business Financing consolidate their growth. and Entrepreneurship.

INVEST IN MURCIA FAST TRACK TO YOUR INVESTMENT UNAI The main features of UNAI are as follows: Service which, by law, must reply to investor applications within 48 hours to let them know if their project is eligible.

UNAI helps investors to deal with redtape associated to their investment projects. Administrative proceedings associated to investment projects are cut in half compared to other Spanish regions. Supplier of a roadmap for authorizations and permits required for project implementation, including their time sequence. One-stop shop for all documentation during dossier handling. Follow-up of proceedings in local agencies. Remediation of legal deficiencies potentially hampering project implementation.

Investment projects managed: 788 Total of investment applications received: €25 billion Total of investment projects approved and managed: €9 billion Job creation associated to approved projects: 8,274

Options for foreign investors wishing INVEST IN to operate in our MURCIA Region:

SERVICES OFFERED Services offered Setting up a Spanish company by Invest in Murcia: Opening of a branch

Representation office “Up to 70% of Information and analysis investment is linked Operating as freelancer to the existing Our work does not end when companies set up in our region. Financial aid consultancy investment base.” According to a report issued by the Joint Venture with companies -United Nations United Nations in 2011, experts Business site location already established have confirmed that, especially in developed countries, up to 70% of Distribution agreements investment is linked to the existing Investment network investment base. Aware of this, Invest in Murcia offers a robust aftercare Investor Cafe Operations through an agent service to ensure companies in our Region have everything they need Business opportunity Operations through a sales to feel comfortable amongst us and representative focus on one single thing: optimize networking business profitability and market Opening a franchise consolidation. UNAI

FDI: Foreign Direct Investment (2016)

Non EU 26% Other EU 46% Germany There are 18,257 16% foreign companies in Spain (slightly over France 2% of all businesses UK 6% 11% in the country)with 10% a turnover of €488 Netherlands billion, 28% of the total! About 1.3 million people are employed in them Turnover of FDI (2016) accounting for 15.7% of the country’s workforce! UAE 9% Italy 10%

Germany Non EU 16% 53%

France 18%

INVEST IN MURCIA

BENEFITS OF SETTING UP IN MURCIA BENEFITS OF SETTING UP IN MURCIA

Modern, efficient healthcare Cost of living below the national system and European averages

Legal system enduring business Low level of labor conflicts and social stability

Fiscal system favoring expats The only legislative region in Spain with a Fast Track for Investment

Flexible legal framework for Quick access to key European recruitment and dismissal and Northern African markets

INVEST IN

MURCIA 10 REASONS TO INVEST IN MURCIA REASONS TO INVEST 1. We are 1.5 million and 15% of us are foreigners

2. We have over 300 days of sunshine a year 3. We have 7 universities located within 150 km 4. We have 1 of the world’s 5 holy cities 5. We received the 2 largest investments ever made in Spain (Sabic and Repsol) 6. With only 2.2% of the countries territory, we produce 20% of national food exports 7. We handle 21 million tons of cargo yearly 8. We transfer 14 million passengers 9. By law, we are the only Region in Spain with Fast Track for Investments 10. We are Murcia, we are ready!

CONTACT

INVEST IN MURCIA

Ave. de la Fama, 3 30003 Murcia - Spain www.investinmurcia.com Telephone: +34 968 362 811 Fax: +34 968 366 163 [email protected]

Copyright © 2018 Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia (INFO - Invest In Murcia) All rights reserved. Copyright © 2018 by Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia (INFO - Invest In Murcia). All rights reserved. This brochure or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author.