ViaExterior de Zona Franca Vigo consolidates its 8th edition, boosting 19 Galician SMEs to key markets

Export Accelerators

The Vigo Free Trade Zone has concluded the eighth edition of its internationalization program, ViaExterior, adding 19 new companies to its network of 160 supported businesses. The program has equipped SMEs with the tools to compete in strategic markets in Europe, North America, and Africa.

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The ViaExterior program concludes its eighth edition, consolidating itself as an engine for Galician exports.

La internationalization accelerator from the Zona Franca de Vigo, ViaExteriorThe program has concluded its eighth edition, adding 19 new Galician companies to its community. With this latest cohort, the program now supports a total of 160 companies in their access to global markets, strengthening the region's business fabric in a competitive environment.

During the closing ceremony, David Regades, State delegate in the Zona Franca de VigoHe highlighted the program's consolidation as a fundamental tool for companies' international growth.ViaExterior "It's not just a course on exporting; it's a space to learn, collaborate, and gain the confidence needed to compete abroad," he stated. Regades"This is about providing you with the tools to ensure your growth goes hand in hand with a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative economy. We firmly believe in the value of this public support, and seeing your progress is our greatest reward."

Comprehensive support and diversification of sectors

The eighth edition has featured the participation of 19 companies from productive sectors as diverse as biotechnological, agrifood, fashion and accessories, consulting and engineering services y furnitureFor seven months, the companies, coming from Vigo (3) Marín (1) A Coruña (2) Santiago (2) Ourense (1) and Lugo (1) have received comprehensive and personalized support. This support has combined practical training, individualized mentoring, and access to an international network of contacts.

The accelerator's objective is to multiply the chances of success for projects, both for companies in the early stages of internationalization and for established firms seeking to consolidate their international presence. During the program, the selected companies have thoroughly designed their strategies. internationalization plans, addressing key aspects such as market selection, adapting their offering to international standards and professionalizing their commercial strategies.

Table 1: Summary of the 8th edition of the ViaExterior program.

Concept	Key Data
Edition	Edition 8
Particiapant enterprises	19 Galician SMEs
Total number of companies supported	160 since its inception
Duration of the program	7 months
Priority target markets	Alemania, Francia, Italia, Portugal, Reino Unido, Estados Unidos, México, Canadá y Marruecos

Tangible results and expansion into new markets

Many of the participating companies have already put their strategies into action. They have defined their entry routes into new markets through distributors, importers, or digital platforms, and have begun signing commercial agreements, attending trade fairs, and contacting potential local partners. The most frequently mentioned destinations in their strategic plans include established markets in Europa , the Alemania, Francia, Italia, Portugal y Reino Unido, alongside expanding markets such as Estados Unidos, México, Canadá y Marruecos.

The closing ceremony also included a speech by Rubén GarcíaCEO GANAINwho shared her experience of international expansion. Her company participated in MarExterior, a specialized initiative derived from ViaExterior and focused on the fishing, canning, shipbuilding, and auxiliary sectors. The companies participating in this edition were: PIPA PIRITA, VIGO-CLUB CICLISTA RIAS BAIXAS, ZICO ESPAÑA, THE GRAPHICS PROJECT, SYNERGY DIDACTIS, SALITRE SHOP, GÓMEZ Y CRESPO, CABOMAR CONGELADOS, DIVERSA TECHNOLOGIES, CONNEX EUROPA, BODEGAS LODEIROS, ANTHYLIS CONSULTING, 2 MARES, LIÑA ESPAZO, GRUPRÓ GRUPO INMOBILIARIO, INEQ INDUSTRIAL PERFORMANCE, FISHMER y PERUXIÑAS.

Key points and frequently asked questions about internationalization with ViaExterior

If I am a Galician SME, what specific benefits does ViaExterior offer me?

The program provides comprehensive support that goes beyond theoretical training. Executives receive a personalized roadmap for their expansion, one-on-one mentoring from experts, access to a network of key contacts in foreign markets, and practical tools to adapt their offering, professionalize their sales strategy, and strengthen their international negotiation skills.

What impact do programs like ViaExterior have on the business fabric of Galicia?

Initiatives like ViaExterior They are crucial for strengthening the competitiveness of the Galician economy. By enabling SMEs to export, market diversification is fostered, dependence on the domestic market is reduced, innovation is promoted to meet international standards, and high value-added employment is generated, consolidating a more resilient and globalized business fabric.

What are the strategic markets that the program identifies for Galician companies in 2026?

The program guides companies toward a combination of mature and expanding markets. On the one hand, it prioritizes established European markets due to their proximity and legal certainty, such as Alemania, Francia o Reino UnidoOn the other hand, there is a push to enter markets with high growth potential such as Estados Unidos, Canadá, México y Marruecos, which offer new business opportunities and diversification.