Mobile World Congress begins in Barcelona amid political controversy
The King of Spain’s arrival is met with protests in the streets and institutional boycott by major figures of Catalonia
Business
Business & economic news from Barcelona and Catalonia
Barcelona ready for Mobile World Congress 2018
Key themes at this year's event, kicking off on Monday, include artificial intelligence, drones, robotics, and augmented reality
Costa Brava expecting record number of cruise ship passengers
Some 57,000 tourists are expected to stop off at the ports of Palamós and Roses this holiday season
Luxury food ready for Mobile World Congress
Data released foresees a growth in demand of between 10% and 35% for premium fish, meat, and raw products
High speed train connection ‘guarantees’ future of Girona airport
Link to Barcelona will be “positive” for both facilities, says director
Catalan police to use drones in MWC security operation
Terror threat level is high, set at four out of five, with annual Mobile World Congress just round the corner
Catalan coastal town attracts Mobile World Congress attendees
70% of hotels in Sitges already booked up for MWC
Fruit cooperative demands compensation from EU
Industry lost millions of euros as a result of "Russian veto"
Fira de Barcelona turns over €188M in 2017
Political instability had no effect, according to general director of trade fair organization
Catalonia breaks export record for seventh consecutive year
Catalan sales abroad rose to €70bn in 2017, an 8.7% yearly increase
Catalan housing market up 15% in 2017
Report says 77,830 homes were sold last year in Catalonia, with a notable 21% rise in sale of new homes
Barcelona prepares mobility plan for MWC
6000 public transport passengers forecast for peak times
Organization helps 811 socially marginalized people find work in 2017
Training and Job Placement Foundation assisted in employment of 17% more jobseekers than last year
Wholesalers expect to sell record 15m ‘calçots’ this season
The growth in demand and ideal weather conditions promise a bumper year for vendors of the scallion-like delicacy
Barcelona port traffic increases 54% in January
48% more containers handled compared to 2017
Read the latest updates and breaking news on business and economic matters from Barcelona and Catalonia here. Keep up to date with how the Catalan economy is performing, inflation levels, employment and unemployment, major business mergers, important company announcements, and the latest on Catalonia’s biggest enterprises such as Vueling, Wallbox, Grifols, Mango, and plenty of start-ups and international firms based here too.