In the framework of the Development, Hunting and Fishing Fair that is being held this weekend in Vilar Formoso, a Portuguese town bordering the province of Salamanca, the mayors of the border municipalities of Almeida (Portugal) and Fuentes de Oñoro (Spain) have stressed the need to jointly promote industrial, logistical and tourist development to “consolidate the way of life in La Raya”.
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During the event, the councillors explained to the media that it is essential to “work in unison” so that the border can retain its young people and stop the advance of depopulation. In this sense, they have focused on the ambitious project of the “La Raya” Industrial Logistics Estate, a 13-hectare development that involves an investment of 5,5 million euros and that will benefit both municipalities.
“The future 13-hectare industrial logistics park involves an investment of 5,5 million euros and is focused on both municipalities,” said Laura Vicente, mayor of Fuentes de Oñoro, highlighting the strategic importance of the project.
For his part, the mayor of Almeida, António Machado, emphasized the importance of collaboration between both territories:
“Both territories have the same thinking and, together, we face the future to combat depopulation and generate opportunities in industry and tourism.”
The commitment to logistics development is part of the fact that this Spanish-Portuguese border, which links the central region of Portugal with Castile and Leon, is one of the main communication axes between the two countries. It is the point through which the most heavy vehicles circulate on routes connecting Spain and Portugal, and it is estimated that the annual flow reaches an average of 9 million people.
In addition to the industrial initiative, Vilar Formoso has become the setting for a Rural Development Fair that runs until Sunday, February 2. Businessmen from both countries are exhibiting a wide range of products, including crafts and gastronomy, and the event is expected to attract more than 15.000 visitors. The days are complemented by musical concerts in the evenings, which bring together Portuguese and Spanish artists, reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and closeness between the two nations.
With this plan, the leaders of Almeida and Fuentes de Oñoro aim not only to boost the local economy, but also to create a development model that combines the modernity of the logistics industry with the cultural and tourist value of the region, thus ensuring a prosperous future for La Raya.
