Andalusia's degree of economic openness has shown very positive results in recent years. Its growth prospects and new business challenges, geared towards international markets, were outlined in the new Strategic Plan 2003-2006 presented last July by the Regional Government of Andalusia. Its President, Manuel Chaves, is confident that the new measures and objectives established will improve Andalusia's export offerings in the coming years.
– Considering the upward trend in Andalusian export activity in recent years, what assessment can be made of the results obtained in 2002? And what are the forecasts for the end of the current fiscal year?
Indeed, the Andalusian economy has undergone a significant transformation. In the last ten years, GDP has grown by more than 40%, exports have tripled, and the degree of openness has increased by five points. The Regional Government of Andalusia has made a firm commitment to opening our companies to foreign markets, and with this objective, the Andalusian Business Internationalization Plan 1999-2002 was designed. During its four years of implementation, the volume of exports increased, as did the number of Andalusian companies actively participating in international markets. Our international presence has also diversified, both in terms of sectors and export destinations.
It is noteworthy that Andalusia has weathered the difficult global trade environment of the last two years with remarkable resilience. Last year, even amidst an adverse international climate, Andalusian exports reached a value of over €10.000 billion, a figure similar to previous years, thus confirming the strength and resilience of the Andalusian economy.
Regarding the outlook for the current year, I am confident that Andalusian exports will continue to demonstrate the same strength, despite the lingering economic uncertainty on the international stage. And, of course, we will continue to support the efforts of our companies to expand their markets through a new strategic plan that has just been approved for the period 2003-2006, with a budget allocation almost 70% higher than that of the previous plan.
– Regarding the destinations of Andalusian exports, which countries stand out today? How would you assess the region's presence in the countries that are candidates for European enlargement?
Andalusian exports are concentrated in the European market, primarily within the European Union. This trend is particularly pronounced during this period of economic slowdown, due to the reduced uncertainty surrounding nearby markets. Last year, sales to the European Union accounted for over 70% of total exports. However, the American market remains a significant destination for Andalusian products, with a greater relative penetration in both the United States and Mexico than Spain as a whole.
In the medium and long term, I believe there are promising prospects in Latin American countries such as Chile and Brazil. The same can be said of countries in transition to the European Union, which are increasingly importing Andalusian products. The government I lead, aware of the potential these markets offer, has already opened Business Promotion Units in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Russia. These offices, part of an international network present in twelve countries, offer Andalusian companies personalized and direct service.
– How does the Andalusian Regional Government promote the internationalization of the Andalusian economy? What public support does Andalusian company have access to?
Business Promotion Units are precisely one of these support mechanisms, as are the internationalization plans I mentioned earlier. The support strategy essentially involves providing companies with the necessary resources and infrastructure to be more competitive in a globalized economy. To implement this strategy, the Regional Government also relies on the Andalusian Agency for Foreign Promotion, known as Extenda.
Our international network carries out vital and diverse work, ranging from traditional support for participation in trade fairs and missions to programs designed to assess the export capacity of companies with limited experience in international markets. All of this is done while also addressing fundamental aspects such as management training and supporting the promotional plans of Andalusian exporters' associations, and we maintain collaborative agreements with sector-specific business associations.
– What can you tell me about the main guidelines covered in the Internationalization Plan for the period 2003-2006?
The Plan's strategic objectives can be summarized in three basic ideas: increasing the number of exporting companies, improving the international standing of companies already exporting, and increasing our companies' investments abroad. Accordingly, the document establishes measures to improve supply, enhance understanding of demand in foreign markets, and strengthen the coordination of support measures promoted by various public and private institutions.
One of the main new developments for the next four years is the attention that will be given to the services sector, particularly those focused on knowledge and technology transfer. Andalusia offers great potential in this area, represented by consulting firms, engineering companies, and research centers that, thanks to their experience and expertise, can contribute to the economic and social development of emerging countries, such as the future members of the European Union, Latin American countries, and those on the southern shores of the Mediterranean, not forgetting the great opportunities offered by the Chinese and Russian markets.
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