This initiative promotes public-private collaboration and simplifies the management of grants, seeking to strengthen the competitiveness of Riojan companies on the global stage.
The counselor Belinda Leon and the Director General of Business, Energy and Internationalization, Amadeo Lazaro, led a key meeting at the La Rioja Technology Center. The meeting brought together clusters, associations, and representatives from the Federation of Businesses of La Rioja (FER) and the Chamber of Commerce to analyze the effects of the U.S. tariff policy and present new support strategies.
During the meeting, the evolution of the tariff crisis and the contacts maintained with the Ministry of Economy and ICEXSpecial emphasis was placed on the Riojan actions and tools included in the ICEX Plan recently introduced by the Spanish Government. These include personalized advice and support through the E networkEnterprise Europe Network (EEN), international promotion with sectoral agreements and support for the agri-food sector, and direct financing for the Capabilities.
The Foreign Promotion Program (PEC), managed by the Economic Development Agency of La Rioja (Ader), has received a significant boost of an additional €1 million, bringing its total allocation to €3 million.
The Government of La Rioja maintains constant dialogue with the sector, having held meetings with the FER and the sectors most affected by US foreign policy.
New Grant Order: A Paradigm Shift
The new Order of subsidies promoted by the General Directorate of Business, Energy and Internationalization According to Councilor León, this represents a "paradigm shift." This regulation makes it easier for a collaborating entity to manage the subsidies, which aims for greater "administrative simplification and efficiency."
“It is a tailor-made instrument for the sector, very versatile and flexible, which will adapt to the demands that the sector conveys to us,” León stated. The regulatory framework of this Order seeks to incentivize and stimulate the Riojan foreign trade and internationalization, allowing the participation of non-profit organizations with offices in La Rioja or entities from the Riojan public sector that demonstrate technical and financial solvency.
The collaborating entities will assume crucial functions such as executing payments, promoting business participation, and managing procedures. To qualify, companies must have a work center in La Rioja and have a digital presence with international reach, including a website or digital presence, and in the case of activities abroad, a version in English or another relevant language.
Eligible Actions and Commitment to the Sector
The Order contemplates various eligible activities in which a minimum of eight entities must participate, although only four are entitled to a grant under these rules. These include:
Direct business missions abroad.
International reverse business missions.
Fairs and exhibition events abroad or national fairs with an international character.
Technical missions to promote innovation and internationalization.
The procedure for granting these subsidies, which will be awarded directly, will be processed exclusively electronically.
León emphasized that the Internationalization Plan of La Rioja seeks «increase the base of exporting companies"To promote and consolidate its presence in international markets, achieve greater diversification, promote the role of innovation, technology and digitalization, and maximize the use of European programs and international technological cooperation."
The Government of La Rioja maintains constant dialogue with the sector, having held meetings with the FER and the sectors most affected by US foreign policy, such as footwear. Furthermore, the General Directorate of Business, Energy, and Internationalization collaborates weekly with the General Directorate of International Trade and Investment to assess the impact of tariffs and design joint measures.