Barcelona's airport is growing despite the global financial crisis
The main Catalan airport received 15,1% more passengers in November, in comparison with last year. However, Girona and Reus airports are losing passengers.
Business
Business & economic news from Barcelona and Catalonia
Fira de Barcelona to organise fairs in countries around the world
Fira de Barcelona has just approved a new strategic plan for the next four years. The plan foresees increasing the turnover rate by around 50% and includes taking the Fira de Barcelona brand name to countries around the world.
Prices rose 5 decimals in November and Catalonia reaches 2.5% yearly inflation rate
The price increase is the result of the start of the winter season, in particular regarding clothing and shoe sales.
La Caixa savings bank says greater structural reforms are needed at world level in 2011
The last monthly report by La Caixa, the main Catalan financial institution, also stresses that the currency war should end in order to avoid a protectionism escalation. It foresees a Spanish GDP growth of 0.7% for 2011.
Alstom signs a 101 million euro contract to supply Santo Domingo metro with 15 train sets
The metro wagons will be fabricated in Alstom Transport’s industrial centre, located in the Catalan town of Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, in Barcelona metropolitan area.
BASF to close its factory in Barcelona metropolitan area
The German chemical company will concentrate its production in Madrid and Guadalajara. BASF will also restructure its sales, marketing and administrations departments, also located close to Barcelona, in l’Hospitalet de Llobregat.
Real estate sales fall 14% in October
Information published by the Catalan Ministry of Public Works shows that real estate transcations went down 22% in the third trimester after 3 trimesters of consecutive increases.
Christmas tree growers see increase in sales
Catalan Christmas tree growers have been greatly affected by the crisis, with an almost 50% sales drop in recent years. Growers hope that exporting Christmas trees to countries like France and Portugal will help them come out of the crisis.
From 85% to almost full occupancy for the Puríssima holiday
During this week’s Puríssima holiday, most tourist accommodations saw 85% occupancy. The Girona counties of Cerdanya and Ripollès experienced the best results, with sold-out occupancy, 20 points higher occupancy than last year.
Auto Retro Barcelona 2010 closes its doors with almost 59,000 visitors and record sales
The international trade fair on old vehicles is one of the most important in Europe. According to Fermín Sulé, the President of 'Auto Retro, the trade fair 'widely' exceeded the expected number of vehicle sales.
Barcelona 'misses opportunity' to produce new Nissan Pick up Van
The Japanese company rejects the candidacy of its Catalonia factory for manufacturing the new car because it is not 'competitive'. The deputy CEO of Nissan in Spain blames the unions for not accepting new labour conditions which would have accommodated Nissan's interests.
Unemployment falls in November in Catalonia to 564.541 people
The decrease in the number of jobless has been fuelled by an improvement in the industrial and construction sectors. In Spain, unemployment has risen to more than 4 million people.
Barcelona airport to be privatised, Spanish government says
The Spanish President confirms the privatisation of El Prat airport, in Barcelona, and the Barajas airport, in Madrid. José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero aims to reduce the deficit by selling 49% of AENA’s assets. AENA is the public company that manages Spanish airports
Seat to invest up to €500 million annually in its Martorell factory
The Spanish car company expects sales to fall by 50% this year. Seat will create 750 jobs in the country for the fabrication of the Audi Q3
Barcelona promotes itself in the UK's biggest event for small businesses
The 'Business Startup Show' in London includes an exhibitor from the Barcelona City Council where visitors can get information about the benefits of investing and opening a company in the Catalan Capital
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.