The Financial Times publication fDi Magazine has recognised Catalonia as the best region in southern Europe to invest in in 2020–21. This is the third time that this biannual ranking – one of the most prestigious international league tables, used by multinationals considering future business investment projects – has ranked Catalonia as the best investment destination in southern Europe, a position it has held since 2016.

The Minister of Business and Knowledge, Àngels Chacón, said: “Distinctions like this show that Catalonia is synonymous with confidence and the future. We have a dynamic, industrial, innovative economy that’s open to the world. We combine talent, a business fabric based on a diversified industrial tradition, extensive technological and research infrastructure, and a strategic geographical position – all of which makes us a unique place to invest and do business.”

To produce the ranking, fDi Magazine analysed a total of around 150 regions, taking into account factors such as connectivity, the business climate, economic potential, human capital/lifestyle, and strategy for attracting foreign investment.

Catalonia’s strategy for attracting foreign investment is coordinated by the Agency for Business Competitiveness (ACCIÓ), which reports to the Ministry of Business and Knowledge. The strategy is implemented through Catalonia Trade & Investment (a unit of ACCIÓ based in Barcelona) and a network of 40 foreign trade and investment offices worldwide that work to attract new foreign investment projects to Catalonia as well as providing foreign companies with comprehensive advice to facilitate the investment process.

Summing up Catalonia’s success, Minister Chacón said: “In recent years, Catalonia has become a hub for technological and industrial investment. More than 8,600 foreign companies are established in Catalonia, and over a thousand of them are technology companies.”