Adif and Mafex sign a strategic agreement to boost the competitiveness of the Spanish rail sector

The signing of the renewed protocol between Adif and Mafex, finalized in Madrid on July 7, 2025, marks a milestone in the collaboration between the two entities. The new agreement will focus on the development of joint lines of work to promote competitiveness of the Spanish railway sector at a global level.

Among the key initiatives that will emerge from this alliance are: joint participation in foreign promotion activities, the creation of specialized working groups, the impulse of international R&D&I projects, and the organization of technical visits to facilities and meetings with international railway entities. In addition, special emphasis will be placed on actions to attract talent to the sector, a fundamental pillar for its growth and sustainability. The agreement also contemplates the possibility of launching specific working groups to address issues of common interest, which will allow for a closer collaboration in competitive improvement both the sector and the railway infrastructure in general.

This agreement seeks to strengthen international positioning and innovation in a key sector for the Spanish economy.

Pedro Marco de la Peña, president of Adif and Adif AV, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “Collaboration with Mafex strengthens the international projection of the Spanish railway, aligning the country's industrial capacity with the real infrastructure and operational needs.”. Marco de la Peña added that this strategic alliance “It promotes a more robust, innovative and sustainable railway ecosystem, and allows Spain to have its own voice in international forums."He stressed that the exchange of knowledge and experiences, both in projects and innovation, will allow Adif and Mafex to “moving forward together towards a smarter, safer and more efficient transport model".

For his part, Victor Ruiz, president of Mafex, valued the renewal of the agreement very positively, highlighting the need for greater promoting public-private collaboration, especially to incorporate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Ruiz also emphasized the importance of “Promote greater use of public rail transport, which is playing and must play a key role in facilitating the sustainable and safe mobility of people and goods in our country.”. He concluded by pointing out the need to continue working on strategic aspects such as digitalization of the railway and the industry itself, as well as in technological solutions and innovations that allow “an increase in capacity and optimization of transport, allowing for savings and energy efficiency".

This agreement consolidates the cooperation between Adif and Mafex, entities that have worked together in recent years to develop new business opportunities for companies in the sector. Adif, in line with its international strategy, actively supports the internationalization of the Spanish railway sector and improving the competitiveness of companies through the participation of their experts in international projects and visits.

Mafex, founded in 2004, is dedicated to serving the Spanish railway industry and defending the interests of its 116 members, who represent 83% of the country's railway exports. The association acts as a facilitator through initiatives in key areas such as Internationalization, innovation, talent attraction, strategic monitoring, sector representation and marketing, thus strengthening the competitiveness and global presence of its members through cooperation.