According to the Barcelona City Council, in 2022 the city channeled a total of 395 million euros in foreign investment.
In this scenario, the municipal economic promotion teams were able to launch a total of 28 projects.
These business initiatives enabled the creation of around 487 jobs, according to the balance sheet drawn up by the consistory of the work and as a balance sheet of the International Economic Promotion area and the City Promotion Directorate.
Also included was the management of the Business Landing Service of the Barcelona Activa Business Assistance Office, which supports business ventures.
The balance of foreign investment in Barcelona during 2022.
The City Council indicated that during the last twelve months, the municipal teams managed to manage some 116 projects, of which 28 investments came to fruition.
This figure represents an implementation ratio of more than 24% of the projects managed.
A new portfolio of a further 48 projects is currently being worked on. Of these, 6 are already well underway and the others could progress throughout 2023.
These achievements have been possible thanks to the fact that the municipal authority has facilitated the arrival of companies and entities to the city or supported the decision to increase their investments.
This support and backing has been received mainly by Toulouse Business School, the World Ocean Council, the fintech Edebex, the Swedish technology firm Centiro.
Project-based management
Of the 28 projects that have landed in the city and are new, around 60% come from outside the European Union.
Most notable are investments from the United Kingdom, with 18% of the total. This is followed by those from the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.
However, outside the European Union, investments were also received from Argentina and Singapore, which accounted for 7% of the total investment attracted.
After a 2021 of economic recovery after the pandemic, Barcelona during 2022 was an engine of attraction for foreign companies.
These companies have relied on the Catalan capital to bring their investments and have chosen Barcelona as the main or one of their European headquarters.
Jaume Collboni, first deputy mayor, considers that “this behavior and results are proof of Barcelona’s strength and economic momentum capable of attracting foreign investment and generating quality jobs”.
Foreign investment in Barcelona in 2022 by sector
- Technology sector attracted 36% of the companies attracted.
- The services sector, through business services firms, accounted for 17%.
- The transport and logistics sector accounted for 14%.
- Hospitality, tourism and leisure accounted for 11%.
With respect to new projects, the predominant sectors are:
- ICT companies, 0042% of the total.
- Creative and cultural production activities, 13% of the total.
By countries, investment comes mainly from the United States, China and the United Kingdom, representing more than 35% of the total.
