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The Government of Aragon presents its new Investment Promotion Dossier to attract investment to the region          

The Vice-President of the Executive, Mar Vaquero, stated that the Investment Promotion Brochures are designed to make sure Aragon “continues to receive investment, conveying the reasons that make our region an ideal territory to achieve success, and bringing together in a single document the strengths of a territory called to mark the future of Europe and the world.“

Source: Aragón hoy

The Government of Aragon has presented this Tuesday a new Investment Promotion Brochure. The document is a strategic tool that aims to show the world the strengths of the region as a preferential destination for investment, innovation and business development.

The event, held in the Crown Hall of the Pignatelli, was attended by the Vice-President of the Regional Executive, Mar Vaquero, and the Managing Director of Aragón Exterior (AREX), Javier Camo. Both stressed that the new Promotion Brochure is a ‘direct, clear and up-to-date presentation of everything that our region has to offer investors’.

This document highlights the competitive advantages of the Aragonese territory: its strategic location, its industrial strength, its innovative environment, outstanding quality of life and the commitment of its institutions to sustainable development. It also refers in detail to the key sectors for the region’s economy, as well as the policies promoted by the Government of Aragon to encourage, facilitate and speed up possible investments to be developed in any of the three provinces.

For the Vice-President of the Regional Executive, this new Promotion Brochure is ‘essential’ to present the reality of Aragon. ‘Our region is receiving billions of euros in investments, with great potential for the future. We want to communicate the features that make us a unique region, the available spaces and strategic sectors’ she added.

‘This promotional brochure showcases the Aragon of investment and opportunities, open to the world to continue obtaining new possibilities for the future, talented, innovative and dynamic’, she specified in her opening speech.

With this new image campaign, Mar Vaquero stressed that the ultimate aim is for Aragon ‘to continue to receive investment, to convey the reasons that make our community an ideal territory for success and to bring together in a single document the strengths of a place called to mark the European and global future in sectors such as logistics, agri-food, technology, bio-health, aerospace and defence, among others’.

During her speech, the Vice-President wished to recognise the ‘work of generations and generations of Aragonese who have carried out commendable work’ to achieve the ‘position of global relevance’ that Aragon currently holds. In this sense, she pointed out that ‘we are proud of what we are and we already have in mind to be more relevant in the future thanks to our potential’.

“Today we have not only presented the new Promotion Brochure, we have presented a Promotion Brochure that is going to be alive, that is going to be updated and adapted to the needs and requirements of potential investors. It is not a single document, but rather seven sectoral notebooks that highlight the strengths and opportunities within each of the strategic sectors for the Government of Aragon”, explained Javier Camo.

Features that define Aragon as a territory of opportunities

The new Promotion Brochure highlights the distinctive features that define Aragon as a territory of opportunities, with enormous investment possibilities and an ideal ecosystem for hosting projects of different areas, types and particularities.

Aragon enjoys a privileged geographical position in southern Europe. The main European and North African markets are located within a radius of 1,000 kilometres. Within a closer radius of 350 kilometres is 70% of Spain’s GDP, with access to key cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao, as well as five international airports. It is connected in just over an hour with the two main cities in our country.

89% of the energy production in the region comes from natural resources which guarantees high energy availability at low cost. The abundance of industrial land and water at competitive prices reinforces its attractiveness for large-scale industrial investments.

The Promotion Brochure delves into the strategic industries that make Aragon an industrially strong and diverse region:

  • Aragon is one of the automotive hubs in Spain and Europe. The installation of a gigafactory for electric batteries, with an investment of 4.1 billion euros, consolidates this sector, which has more than 300 auxiliary companies and 35,000 jobs.
  • The logistics sector represents 7.7% of the regional GDP, with more than 500 companies and 40,000 employees. Aragon is home to infrastructures such as PLAZA, the largest logistics park in southern Europe, and Teruel Airport, which specialises in aircraft maintenance and recycling.
  • Information and Communication Technologies represent 3.7% of the regional GDP and 8.5% of employment. With technology parks such as the Alierta Technology District of Aragon (DAT Alierta), Walqa and Technopark, our region has established itself as a European digital hub, attracting prestigious multinationals and consolidating a sector of local companies that is constantly growing.
  • Aragon is a national leader in pig production and one of the main world players in the sector. The agri-food industry represents 10% of the regional GDP and generates 18% of employment. It has 11 Protected Designations of Origin and a strong processing and export network.
  • The Community ranks third in Spain in terms of the number of companies in the health sector. Its strategic location, close to the majority of the Spanish pharmaceutical industry, reinforces its position in the bio-health sector.
  • Our territory has the largest European aeronautical maintenance centre (MRO) at Teruel Airport and has a growing cluster in the Defence sector, which now accounts for 10% of the Ministry’s suppliers.
  • Among the differentiating elements of the community, the talent of the citizens of the three provinces is also mentioned. With three universities, more than 105 vocational training centres and an active ecosystem of public-private collaboration in innovation, Aragon stands out for its capacity to generate and attract talent. The promotional brochure points out that more than 40 institutions are actively working in R&D&I, integrated in 14 business clusters that promote strategic sectors.

The region also offers a high quality of life environment: solid public services, security, access to nature, a vibrant cultural life and prestigious gastronomy. The region ranks third in the country in terms of quality of life and promotes a model of sustainable, balanced development committed to the well-being of its citizens.

And, as another of its characteristics, it includes institutional support and the legal security of the territory. The Government of Aragon reinforces its role as a trusted institutional partner, offering administrative support, tax incentives and legal tools to accelerate strategic projects. Inter-institutional collaboration, administrative agility and support for investors are part of the distinguishing features of the region.

New corporate image

The event was also an opportunity to present the new corporate image of AREX, which adapts to the new times and also represents a renewal in line with the process of promotion that the organisation, dependent on the Regional Executive, has undergone since the beginning of the legislature.

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Your home for Business

Aragon showcases its investment potential in Egypt during strategic trade mission

Vice President Mar Vaquero leads a high-level delegation to the TIDe Summit in Cairo

Government Trade Mission

The Government of Aragon has led a trade mission to Egypt alongside regional companies and business organizations, reinforcing its commitment to
internationalization and strategic investment promotion.

The delegation was headed by the Vice President of the Government of Aragon, Mar Vaquero, who participated in the TIDe Summit in Cairo, positioning Aragon as a competitive and reliable destination for international investment.

“Aragon has everything you need to succeed in your business projects,” emphasized Vaquero during the roundtable discussion “Connecting Economies: Investment Opportunities in Egypt and Spain.”

She shared the stage with high-level participants, including:

– Hassan El Khatib, Minister of Investment of Egypt
– Mohamed Zaki El Sewedy, President of the Federation of Egyptian Industries
– Álvaro Iranzo, Spanish Ambassador to Egypt
– Maged El Menshawy, President of the Egyptian
-Spanish Business Council Emad El Sewedy, Chairman and CEO of El Sewedy Electrometer Group

Aragon’s Strategic Advantages for Investors

During her address, Vaquero highlighted several key assets of the Aragonese territory:
– Large-scale land availability and flexible infrastructure adaptable to various types of projects
– Over 35 years of social stability, enabling a secure and predictable business environment
– A business-friendly administration committed to facilitating investment and reducing bureaucratic hurdles

She emphasized efficiency as a core governmental principle, supported by tools such as:
– The Investment Acceleration Unit
– Strategic interest declarations and custom investment plans
– An administration focused on driving investment, employment, and sustainable growth

Vaquero also underlined the importance of local talent, highlighting Aragon’s strong educational ecosystem that ensures a skilled workforce aligned with industry needs.

A Region in Transformation and Expansion

“Aragon has positioned itself as one of the most prosperous, dynamic, and attractive regions in Europe,” stated the Vice President.

She cited more than €47 billion in announced investments over the past 18 months, involving global leaders such as:
– Amazon Web Services
– Microsoft
– Stellantis

Additionally, major Aragonese firms are scaling up operations to diversify and explore future-oriented business areas.

The region is also emerging as a leading tech hub in Europe, driven by:
– The growth of the digital sector
– Initiatives like The Wave Tech Conference
– The upcoming Alierta Aragonese Technology District, envisioned as the epicenter of regional innovation

Sectoral Strengths and Future Focus

Aragon’s industrial strength was also underscored, particularly in:
– The automotive industry, set to remain a pillar of the economy
– Its logistics capacity, with privileged access to global distribution routes
– A robust agri-food sector, modernized to generate local value and global prestige

Looking ahead, the Vice President highlighted strategic sectors like aerospace and defense, which are expected to contribute to the region’s ongoing economic diversification. Preliminary discussions on cooperation in these fields are already underway.

Aragonese Innovation on the International Stage

Aragon’s role in the global innovation ecosystem was further reinforced by its presence in the roundtable “Innovation in Action: Digital Transformation and Smart City Development.”

Andrés Llombart, CEO of CIRCE, represented Aragon, sharing insights alongside:
– Khaled Abbas, Chairman and CEO of the Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD)
– Emad El Sewedy, Chairman and CEO of El Sewedy Electrometer Group
– Ahmed El Zaher, CEO of ITIDA and Deputy Minister for Ecosystem Development

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Aerospace

Teruel Airport consolidates its position as an international benchmark in the aerospace industry with a new hangar and production hall for stratospheric airships

Teruel Airport has taken this Tuesday another step towards its consolidation as an international reference in the aerospace industry with the laying of the first stone of the new hangar and production hall for stratospheric airships, which will be a reality by the end of 2026 and which will introduce, for the first time in the history of this infrastructure, an entirely productive activity that will be added to those of recycling, dismantling, painting and parking of aircraft and testing of engines for PLD Space’s Miura rockets.

The President of the Government of Aragon, Jorge Azcón, led this symbolic act in which he was accompanied by the Government Delegate in Aragon, Fernando Beltrán; the President of the Teruel Airport Consortium and Minister of Development, Octavio López; the Vice-President and Mayor of Teruel, Emma Buj; the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Manuel Blasco; as well as the other members of the Governing Council.

President Azcón pointed out during his speech that the construction of the hangar and the stratospheric zeppelin production hall is “one of the most important actions in the history of this airport and, of course, is the one that will involve the greatest investment effort on the part of the Consortium, a work estimated at 39.7 million euros with a completion period of 20 months and which will be finished by the end of 2026”.

With its 27,000 square meters and a height in its highest part that will exceed 57 meters, the building will have 3 different areas: one for the reception of goods, another for the production of airships and a third reserved for hangar functions. It will be executed by the joint venture formed by Aldesa Construcciones and Industria de Infraestructuras Ideconsa.

“The story of a success.”

Jorge Azcón had words of recognition for all those who have made it possible for the history of Teruel Airport to be “the history of a success story attributable to those who, from these two administrations that created the Consortium almost 20 years ago, have worked to promote an infrastructure that, today, is one of the great economic and employment engines of the province of Teruel”.

In this sense, the President of the Government of Aragon has highlighted the more than 700 jobs that it currently generates and that the successive expansions and the consequent increase in activity “will mean that in a couple of years there will be more than 1,000 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs”.

On this issue, President Azcón mentioned some of the most important projects to be undertaken at the airport during 2025. Apart from the construction work and the hangar for the production of high altitude airships type HAPS that will be launched into the stratosphere with the made in Teruel seal, 2025 will be the year of the expansion of the airport Terminal Building, which will double its office space and will be equipped with a cafeteria and restaurant area. It will also be the year in which the apron and aircraft parking area will be expanded.

In addition, Teruel Airport has already started the process to be able to operate in low visibility conditions with the tender, at the beginning of the year, of the instrument flight procedure that will allow it to increase the number of operations, currently around 1,100 per year.

Azcón recalled that what is now a worldwide phenomenon and aspires to continue growing in surface area and activities to position itself as an international benchmark in the aeronautical and aerospace industry is the result of an investment commitment of 160 million euros in the period 2006-2027, made possible thanks to the Teruel Investment Fund (FITE), co-financed in equal parts by the Government of Aragon and the Government of Spain.

Letter to the Ministry of Territorial Policy

The president announced that the Government of Aragon has sent this morning a letter to the Ministry of Territorial Policy to organize a meeting that will result in “an advance of the signing of this year’s FITE” and, thus, “have more time to make more investments like this one”. “Teruel airport is the best example of what the FITE should be,” he said.

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Aragon Technology Hub

Azora will build a data center in Villamayor de Gállego with an initial investment of 1,100 million euros

The President of the Government of Aragón, Jorge Azcón, announced this Thursday a business investment by the Azora Group, which will build a data center in Villamayor de Gállego with an initial investment of 1.1 billion euros. The company contemplates a possible expansion from the initial 150 MW to 300 MW, which would imply raising the investment to 1,950 million euros. The Governing Council has previously approved the DIGA related to this initiative.

The project, called ‘Tillion Aragón’, will generate 1,040 jobs during its useful life. In case of expansion, the number of jobs would rise to 1,770. “This is a new business commitment that joins many others that we have been announcing over the last months and weeks and that reinforces two indisputable realities. The first is that the Aragonese economy is going through a vibrant moment, unprecedented in terms of attracting companies and investments and job creation. And secondly, that Aragon has consolidated its position as a leading region in the European technology sector”, he indicated.

“Today, technology companies from all over the world that are looking for a place to deploy their data centers consider Aragon as a preferential destination, because this land has the optimal conditions for their development,” acknowledged the head of the regional executive.

Grupo Azora, the developer of the project, already has the permits for access and connection to the electricity transmission grid, which were granted last year by Red Eléctrica de España. The project will include not only the urbanization and construction of the data center, but also the auxiliary infrastructure necessary for its operation, including the electrical connection, the data networks and the connection to the fiber optic network, water supply and sanitation, and road access.

Regarding the impact on the Aragonese economy, the president indicated that “it is estimated that the construction and start-up of the 150 MW data center will have an estimated impact on the Aragonese Gross Domestic Product of 5,487 million euros. In the case of a possible expansion to 300 MW, the impact of the ‘Tillion Aragón’ project on the Aragonese economy would reach 9,305 million Euros”.

“It is also interesting to consider the fiscal footprint of the project, whose total estimated contribution, between direct and indirect taxes, will be 138 million euros. In the case of reaching 300 MW, this contribution would rise to 193 million euros”, he pointed out.

Another noteworthy aspect,” added Jorge Azcón, ”is the environmental perspective of the project, as the Azora group’s data center has been designed with a firm commitment to sustainability. “Among its main features are the reduction of water consumption by using advanced cooling technology that will avoid the intensive use of water. Thanks to a closed-loop system, annual water consumption will be equivalent to the average of 25 homes.”

“In addition, the use of energy will be 100% renewable, either through self-consumption with solar and wind power plants or by purchasing electricity from green energy producers,” he added.

About Azora

Azora is a renowned Spanish investment manager with more than 20 years of experience in infrastructure and real estate assets. Founded by Fernando Gumuzio and Concha Osácar, the company manages close to EUR 15 billion in assets in Europe and the United States, through its offices in Madrid, London and Miami.

With a solid base of institutional investors and an innovative vision, Azora’s track record is based on the identification and anticipation of global megatrends, standing out in the development and promotion of affordable rental housing since 2004, with the management of more than 30,000 homes.

It also stands out for the creation in 2011 of the largest platform of student residences in continental Europe, the launch in 2012 of the Hispania listed vehicle and an investment of more than €1.3 billion in hotels in Europe. It has also developed and operated more than 2.0 GW in solar and wind energy in Spain and the US.

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Agrifood

Truffle of Teruel: Aragon’s treasure with Quality Stamp

Aragon is not only a reference in Spain, but worldwide in the production of black truffle (Tuber melanosporum). With the recent obtaining of the Transitional National Protection (PNT) for the “Truffle of Teruel”, the region reinforces its commitment to the quality and authenticity of this gourmet product.

The PNT is a provisional label that certifies that the truffles produced in Teruel are authentic and meet the highest quality standards, while their official recognition in Europe is being processed.

This label is a crucial step towards the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), which, if approved in Europe, would make the Teruel truffle the first fungus with a quality seal in Spain.

Why is PNT important?

– Quality guarantee: The PNT assures consumers that the truffle comes from the province of Teruel and meets the highest quality standards.

– Protection at national level: Allows the product to be marketed with a differentiated quality label at national level while the PGI is being processed in Europe.

– Recognition of origin: Certifies that it is an authentic product of the region, protecting it from imitations and guaranteeing its traceability.

Teruel: A giant in black truffle production

With more than 8,800 hectares dedicated to the black truffle, Teruel not only concentrates 83.50% of Aragon’s production, but is also the world’s largest producer of this coveted fungus, with a production of 83,040 kilos in 2023.

With its tradition, quality and commitment, Teruel is positioned as a world reference, bringing the unique flavor of the black truffle of Aragon to the most select tables in Europe.

The agri-food industry in Aragon

Aragon is an important food producer and processor in Europe, combining the tradition of centuries of experience, cutting-edge R&D and excellent export logistics, not to mention a firm commitment to quality and sustainability.

In addition to the black truffle, Aragon has a wide range of differentiated quality products, such as Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) for wine, onion, lamb, peach and oil, and Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) for beef, pork and, in the future, black truffle from Teruel.

Agri-food represents 10% of Aragon’s GDP and 18% of employment, focusing on a wide variety of products: wine, oil, fruit, alfalfa and pork.

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Aragon Technology Hub

The Government of Aragon will invest 100 million euros in the creation of the DAT Alierta Technology Park in Zaragoza.

This centre, which will cover 79 hectares next to the Ebro River Campus, will be, in the words of President Azcón, ‘the most important and interesting project to be developed in our country’ in the field of technology.

The President of the Government of Aragon, Jorge Azcón, announced this Monday in the Crown Hall of the Pignatelli building the investment of 100 million euros for the development of the Zaragoza Technology Park, which will bear the name ‘DAT Alierta’. In Azcón’s words, ‘we are going to attract companies and create quality employment. Without a doubt, it will bring immense added value to the city’s economy’.

This new centre will be built next to the Río Ebro Campus in the Aragonese capital and will have 79 hectares to attract new projects and companies. It will also include existing facilities, such as those of the University, the ITA and the CEEI, as well as new buildings. ‘It will bring together and promote synergies between technology companies, the University and the administration’, specified the leader of the Executive.

The new facilities will serve to promote and attract companies, which will create quality employment to retain and attract talent and provide immense added value to our economy. ‘This is going to be the most interesting project to be developed in our country’, said the President of the Government of Aragon.

During his speech, Azcón also announced that this new technology park will bear the name of César Alierta: ‘This name anticipates the characteristics of this new enclave, a space that, like César, will stand out for being innovative, with a capacity for understanding and technological transformation’.

For her part, the vice-president of the Government, Mar Vaquero, highlighted the importance of the project because ‘it is linked to the values of the Aragonese people. It is what makes us different and what has made us attract companies from all over the world and Aragonese companies continue to bet on our territory. Values such as the institutional collaboration with the University of Zaragoza, which has led to a 40-hectare plot of land being placed at the service of knowledge, talent, innovation and the avant-garde’.

Aragon Technology District

The new park complements the work of Walqa, in Huesca, and Technopark, in Alcañiz, with which it will form the Aragonese Technology District (DAT), a key element for the Aragonese hub to become a benchmark in Europe. ‘We are convinced that this technology centre is going to be a benchmark throughout Europe’, said Azcón.

The Government of Aragon is committed to ensuring that large business investments, innovation and the creation of specialised employment should spread to the three provinces, that Teruel, Huesca and Zaragoza contribute to the same ecosystem and benefit from it in the same way.

Project phases:

As President Azcón has enumerated, several phases are envisaged for the construction of the DAT Alierta.

– The drafting of the Master Plan will be completed in February this year and the first projects will be put out to tender in March. By the end of 2025 the DIGA will be approved and the drafting of the PIGA will start.

– In September 2026, the first works on some buildings are expected to start, while the approval of the PIGA will come in December 2026.

– In May 2027, the urbanisation and construction of the headquarters, included in the PIGA, will start.

– The first buildings will be completed in the second half of 2028.

– The works contained in the PIGA will be completed in the first six months of 2029. The remaining works will be executed in the course of the year.

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Defence

A new project for Aragon: a logistics and industrial Defence hub

On the 11th December, the Government of Aragon, the Zaragoza City Council and the Government Delegation in Aragon presented to the Defence Minister, Margarita Robles, the Defence logistics and industrial hub project that the different institutions intend to develop in the region.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Defence, was attended by the Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles; the President of the Government of Aragon, Jorge Azcón; the Mayoress of Zaragoza, Natalia Chueca; and the Government Delegate in Aragon, Fernando Beltrán.

The institutional representatives asked Minister Robles for the Ministry’s active participation in this hub through its advice, accompaniment and institutional support.

‘The Government of Aragon, the Zaragoza City Council, the Government Delegation and the region’s aeronautical cluster are all working to create a Security and Defence industrial ecosystem that will become an engine of economic and technological growth in Aragon,’ said President Azcón.

‘If Aragon is a leading region when it comes to attracting technological, logistical and industrial investment, we can also do the same with the defence industry,’ said the head of the regional executive, who said that Aragon will attend the International Defence and Security Fair of Spain for the first time.

The Mayoress of Zaragoza, Natalia Chueca, indicated that ‘the creation of a logistical and industrial Defence hub is a unique opportunity for Zaragoza, for Aragon and for Spain’.

‘Zaragoza has never seen the defence of the country as a burden, but as an opportunity for social, scientific and economic growth. And what we want with this hub is to expand that opportunity and put it at the service of the country hand in hand with the Spanish Government’, she added.

Aragon has an unquestionable military tradition and is home to thousands of military personnel distributed among the different defence infrastructures and command and control, teaching and logistics units. It is the 2nd largest military centre in Spain (after Madrid) with more than 10,000 military personnel posted here.

The defence industry is rooted in Aragon: 10% of the suppliers of the Spanish Ministry of Defence are from this region.

The industry finds in Aragon optimal conditions for mandatory product testing, thanks to the proximity to CENAD San Gregorio, Europe’s 2nd-largest manoeuvring field.

The region offers a vibrant, dynamic business ecosystem with a sophisticated logistics infrastructure, highly qualified personnel in both academic and technical professions, a strong engineering heritage and advance manufacturing with an international reputation.

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Automotive

Stellantis and CATL to Invest Up to €4.1 Billion in Joint Venture for Large-Scale LFP Battery Plant in Spain

AMSTERDAM – Stellantis and CATL today announced they have reached an agreement to invest up to €4.1 billion to form a joint venture that will build a large-scale European lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Zaragoza, Spain. Designed to be completely carbon neutral, the battery plant will be implemented in several phases and investment plans.

Targeted to start production by end of 2026 at Stellantis’ Zaragoza, Spain site, the facility could reach up to 50 GWh capacity, subject to the evolution of the electrical market in Europe and continued support from authorities in Spain and the European Union. The 50-50 joint venture between CATL and Stellantis will boost Stellantis’ best-in-class LFP offer in Europe enabling the automaker to offer more high-quality, durable and affordable battery-electric passenger cars, crossovers and SUVs in the B and C segments with intermediate ranges.

In November 2023, Stellantis and CATL signed a non-binding MOU for the local supply of LFP battery cells and modules for electric vehicle production in Europe and established a long-term collaboration on two strategic fronts: creating a bold technology roadmap to support Stellantis’ advanced battery electric vehicles (BEV) and identifying opportunities to further strengthen the battery value chain.

“Stellantis is committed to a decarbonized future, embracing all available advanced battery technologies to bring competitive electric vehicle products to our customers,” said Stellantis Chairman John Elkann. “This important joint venture with our partner CATL will bring innovative battery production to a manufacturing site that is already a leader in clean and renewable energy, helping drive a 360-degree sustainable approach. I want to thank all stakeholders involved in making today’s announcement a reality, including the Spanish authorities for their continued support.”

“The joint venture has taken our cooperation with Stellantis to new heights, and I believe our cutting-edge battery technology and outstanding operation knowhow combined with Stellantis’ decades-long experience in running business locally in Zaragoza will ensure a major success story in the industry,” said Robin Zeng, Chairman and CEO of CATL. “CATL’s goal is to make zero-carbon technology accessible across the globe, and we look forward to cooperating with our partners globally through more innovative cooperation models.”

CATL is bringing state-of-the-art battery manufacturing technology to Europe through its two plants in Germany and Hungary, which are already operational. The Spanish facility will enhance its capabilities to support customers’ climate goals, further underscoring its commitment to advancing e-mobility and energy transition efforts in Europe and the global market.

Stellantis is employing a dual-chemistry approach – lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) – to serve all customers and exploring innovative battery cell and pack technologies. Stellantis is on track to becoming a carbon net zero corporation by 2038, all scopes included, with single-digit percentage compensation of remaining emissions. 

The transaction is expected to close in the course of 2025 and is subject to customary regulatory conditions.

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Pharmaceutical

Opportunities in the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sector in Aragon

Aragon is positioned as a hub for the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, with a vibrant ecosystem that fosters innovation, collaboration and growth.

After a decade of rapid expansion, Aragon is realizing its potential as an industrial hub in areas such as biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics and medical technology. Almost 91% of the Spanish healthcare industry and 52% of the Spanish biotechnology industry is located within 300 km of the region, 5 of the 60 largest companies in the pharmaceutical industry in Spain are located in Aragon, which is the 3rd Spanish region by number of healthcare companies.

These are some of the main ideas that were discussed last November 10 at the Zaragoza Chamber of Commerce, in the event “Invest in Aragon” organized by Capital Radio and the Government of Aragon.

Two leading companies in the sector, Podoactiva and Certest, together with another relevant player in the region, the Walqa Technology Park, talked about their advances in areas such as personalized medicine, bioinformatics and digital technologies applied to health.

The biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector in Aragon is adapting to technological changes and the growing demand for personalized healthcare services through specialization, digitalization and public-private collaboration.

Specialization: Aragonese companies are focusing on specific market niches to develop customized and innovative solutions.

Digitization: Bioinformatics and digitization are becoming essential for the development of these companies. San Jorge University in Aragon already offers a degree in bioinformatics, recognizing the importance of this area.

Aragon has a solid research and development infrastructure, driven by institutions such as the University of Zaragoza, the Technological Institute of Aragon (ITA) and the Health Research Institute of Aragon. This infrastructure, which combines public-private collaboration, facilitates the generation of knowledge and the transfer of technology to the productive sector.

Other issues also discussed at this roundtable were related to talent and quality of life.

Attracting and retaining talent: It is vitally important to attract and retain talent in Aragon. The region’s universities, such as the University of Zaragoza and San Jorge University, offer degrees in biosanitary areas, providing a source of local talent. However, there is concern that this talent may leave for other regions if they are not offered the right conditions. The need for internship programs to help recent graduates enter the labor market was highlighted.

Quality of Life: Aragon offers a high quality of life, which makes it an attractive place to live and work. This factor can contribute to the attraction of talent and the consolidation of a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The sector also faces significant challenges. The three speakers pointed out:

Bureaucracy in drug authorization and other processes continues to be an obstacle to the sector’s progress. Although efforts are being made to reduce bureaucracy, companies still perceive the need for greater agility in these processes.

Low productivity in Europe, including Spain, is identified as a concern that could affect the future of the sector.

There is a need to publicize the leading companies that exist in Aragon to attract talent and prevent it from leaving for other regions. It is necessary to work on the visibility of the companies from all the economic agents involved.

In summary, Aragon offers a favorable environment for the development of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector, due to all of the above and also because of its excellent location, and its sophisticated infrastructure and multimodal logistics services, including cold chain solutions, which allow access to most of Europe in just 24 hours and to any corner of the world in 48 hours.

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Automotive Manufacturing

Aragon, a leader in the automotive industry in the midst of transformation

Aragon’s automotive industry remains a key pillar for the Spanish and European economy, standing out as a benchmark for competitiveness, innovation and sustainability.

This is the main conclusion reached in one of the debates held at the “Invest in Aragón” event organized by Capital Radio and the Government of Aragón on November 10 at the Zaragoza Chamber of Commerce, where industry experts discussed the advances, challenges and opportunities for this dynamic sector, which is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, driven by electrification and new mobility solutions.

Participants in the meeting included Mar Paños, General Director of Industrial Promotion and Innovation of the Government of Aragon; Elena Latorre, General Director of MANN+HUMMEL Ibérica; and David Romeral, manager of the Automotive and Mobility Cluster of Aragon (CAAR).

Aragon, a strategic center for the Automotive Industry

Aragon is recognized as one of the main automotive hubs in Spain, with the presence of one of the major manufacturers: Stellantis, as well as more than 300 component supplier companies that also supply other global brands. Eighty percent of the vehicles manufactured in Spain are produced within 350 km of Zaragoza, and 90% of the country’s automotive components industry is located in Aragon. This concentration of companies, distinguished by their high competitiveness and innovation, makes the region an international benchmark in the automotive industry.

In addition, Aragon benefits from its strategic location, situated in a key logistical corridor for the sector, which makes the region a first-rate transportation hub for the automotive industry, facilitating distribution at both national and European level.

Industry transformation and challenges

The industry is currently facing a profound transformation, driven by the transition to electric vehicles and new mobility solutions. Aragonese companies are investing heavily in research and development to adapt to these changes, with Stellantis leading the production in Spain of three fully electric models at its Zaragoza plant.

In this context, innovation in production processes is essential to maintain global competitiveness. The integration of new technologies, cost reduction and improved sustainability are some of the focuses of work that will enable companies to remain a benchmark in the global market.

The challenge of training and talent retention

One of the biggest challenges facing the automotive industry in Aragon is the shortage of qualified talent, especially in technical areas such as mechatronics and mold making. To address this need, the Government of Aragon is driving several key initiatives:

  • The development of a Talent Plan to train, attract, retain, and in some cases repatriate, qualified professionals in all sectors.
  • The creation of training and retraining programs for workers, adapted to new technologies and industry demands.
  • Collaboration with universities and vocational training centers to align educational programs with market needs.
  • The organization of awareness days aimed at showing young people the opportunities offered by the industrial sector in general, and changing the perception of modern manufacturing.

Challenges and opportunities for the future

Experts agree that, in order to consolidate Aragon’s leadership in the automotive industry, it is necessary to:

  • Promote the region’s strengths and competitiveness, attracting both investors and highly qualified talent, both nationally and internationally.
  • Reduce bureaucratic barriers and simplify administrative processes to encourage business growth and investment.
  • Increase investment in education and training programs to ensure a steady supply of skilled workers who can contribute to the future of the sector.
  • Improve the perception of the industry among young people, highlighting the professional opportunities offered by the sector, as well as its innovative and sustainable nature.