Establishing abroad spoke today with the Deputy Secretary General Belén Camarero del Río to find out more about the situation in Spain and the opportunities that currently exist. She explains that it has been difficult in the crisis but that there still are opportunities.

- It's been quiet for a while now, it's not as many companies that come here right now in these times but it still happens. Wine and fruit companies are popular here.

Spain belongs to one of the markets in Europe that are growing the fastest. The areas that represent the most significant growth are: biotechnology, renewable energy and environment, IT and Telecom. Here there will be great opportunities for Swedish companies, primarily in energy consumption since a plan currently is being implemented in Spain to improve the environment and the next few years will be interesting for foreign companies.

Alternative energy is something that Spain is investing in and they want to increase from 5 to 12 percent in this area which creates new business opportunities for Swedish companies since we have good knowledge. The plan will be introduced in 2010 and there will be a need of knowledge, technology, logistics and raw materials. Here, the Spanish market will welcome Swedish companies.

Other products that Sweden exports to Spain are electronics and telecommunications, electronic products, machinery, cars, paper, pharmaceuticals, iron and steel. According to Statistics Sweden (SCB) Spain is on the 11th spot on the list of countries that buy most Swedish products.

The main products that Spain exports to Sweden are electronics and Telecom products, machinery, food, textile products, footwear, wine and fruit. According to Statistics Sweden, Spain ended up in 15th place on the list of countries that export the most products to Sweden

                                                                                     Cecilia Helland