The Free Trade Zone of Cádiz exports its blue economy model to Costa Rica and consolidates its strategic alliances in Latin America

INTERNATIONALIZATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

An institutional and academic delegation from Cádiz, led by the Consortium and the University of Cádiz (UCA), has strengthened commercial and institutional ties in the Central American country. During Joint International Staff Week , the Spanish representatives presented the success of their marine-related innovation ecosystem, opening new avenues for technological cooperation, international investment , and sustainable development with one of Latin America's most dynamic markets.

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The Cádiz Free Trade Zone has taken a significant step in its internationalization strategy by presenting its blue economy model in Costa Rica , a public-private partnership paradigm that is generating considerable interest across the Atlantic. During the Joint International Staff Week —organized by the University of Cádiz and the University of Costa Rica—the Cádiz delegation demonstrated how the transfer of scientific knowledge can become a key driver of entrepreneurship and business innovation.

The delegation, headed by the State Delegate for the Free Trade Zone, Fran González, and comprised of senior officials from the UCA's business development, finance, and academic departments, maintained a busy schedule. Among the most noteworthy meetings was one with the Minister of Environment and Energy (MINAE) of Costa Rica, Mónica Navarro del Valle, and the Vice Minister of Water and Oceans, Ana Gloria Guzmán. This meeting explored avenues for joint action on the conservation and sustainable use of water resources, which are fundamental to the management of coastal infrastructure.

During his participation in various specialized forums, Fran González outlined the evolution of the Consortium, which has transformed from a mere manager of industrial land into a true catalyst for international business and corporate transformation. In this regard, the Incubazul and Blue Core projects have positioned themselves as the province's premier technological showcase.

Incubazul, backed by an investment of over €5,5 million (with a significant injection of European funds), has successfully incubated around one hundred companies. The figures confirm its success: 81% of these startups are still progressing in their development, and 41% are already generating revenue. To ensure the continuation of this growth, the institution has launched Blue Core, a project funded with €10,2 million from ERDF funds, designed to attract SMEs undergoing transformation, university spin-offs , and established companies seeking to expand their international trade from Cádiz.

Sustainability also took center stage on the agenda with the presentation of the Consortium's Decarbonization Plan , a pioneering initiative aimed at achieving a zero carbon footprint through mitigation projects based on blue carbon.

“Collaboration between institutions, universities, and businesses is an essential tool for promoting innovative and sustainable economic development in coastal areas. Sharing the experience developed in Cádiz allows us to further strengthen international alliances and generate new opportunities for cooperation that benefit both sides of the Atlantic,” Fran González emphasized during his speech.

Industrial synergies with the Coyol Free Trade Zone

The trade mission also included a technical visit to the Coyol Free Trade Zone , one of the most advanced business parks in the Americas and a world leader in the manufacture of medical devices. The delegation from Cádiz was received by the park's general manager, Carlos Wong, and the business marketing director, Mariola Sánchez.

This enclave, which houses 34 multinational corporations and attracts a high volume of foreign investment , served as a model for the exchange of experiences on the management of smart parks, the attraction of international capital and the optimization of ecosystems of auxiliary suppliers.

This foray into Costa Rica consolidates the Cádiz Free Trade Zone's roadmap for expansion into the Latin American market, adding to missions already undertaken in Colombia, Panama, Uruguay, Argentina, and Honduras. All these institutional and industrial alliances will converge this coming autumn in Cádiz, which will host the 29th Ibero-American Free Trade Zone Conference from October 26 to 28, further solidifying Spain's position as a strategic hub for intercontinental trade.