Ministry News for 2011

All press releases

Energy | 12/29/2011

The Government has chosen Villar de Cañas (Cuenca) to house the temporary centralised storage facility

The municipality chosen meets all the technical requirements for this type of facility and the surrounding area has a high rate of unemployment, ensuring that the project will have a positive social and economic impact. The selection process for the temporary centralised storage facility (ATC, after its initials in Spanish) has been characterised throughout by transparency and publicity. The ATC project and its associated technology centre calls for an investment of €700 million. It is estimated that the construction of the facility will require an average of 300 workers a day during the five years of the initial stage, and up to 500 workers during peak periods.
Industry | 12/29/2011

Government appoints the Senior Commissions in the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism

Fernando Martí to be new Secretary of State for Energy. Víctor Calvo Sotelo, new Secretary of State for Telecommunications and for the Information Society. Isabel Mª Borrego to head the State Secretariat for Tourism.
Energy | 12/29/2011

Household consumers will not see their electricity rates rise in January

The Last Resort electricity rate which affects some 17 million users, will not go up in the quarterly rise in January. The Last Resort Rate (TUR) for gas will rise on average by 0.5%, or €2.3 a year.
Tourism | 12/27/2011

International tourists spent nearly 50 billion euros from January to November, an increase of 8.1%

In November total spending exceeded 3 billion euros, up by 3.3%. Germany was the leading tourist market in November, up by 12.1%, while the United Kingdom led spending in the first eleven months of the year. The Canary Islands saw an inflow of 1.021 billion euros in November, a rise of 11.6%. Spending on hotel accommodation from January to November was nearly 32 billion euros.
Industry | 12/21/2011

José Manuel Soria receives the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism portfolio from Miguel Sebastián

In his speech on the occasion, Soria expressed a commitment to work in an exemplary, correct manner, with unity at all times.
Tourism | 12/21/2011

Nearly 54 million international tourists visited Spain from January to November, an increase of 7.7%

In November, tourist arrivals rose by 3.6%. The main countries of origin include Germany, with a notable rise of 11.7% in German tourists, 12% from Ireland, 8.1% from the Netherlands and 7.1% from the USA. The Canary Islands, Catalonia, and Madrid were the regions receiving the most tourists.
Trade | 12/21/2011

Exports grew by 16.6% during the first ten months of 2011

The trade deficit recorded from January to October fell by 9.1% compared to last year. The energy deficit rose by 17.1%, while the non-energy deficit fell by 59.2%. Exports to non-EU European countries (31.3%), North America (25%) and Latin America (22.2%) continue to grow strongly. Spain recorded a trade surplus with the EU-27 of 3.043 billion euros, compared to the deficit of 3.993 billion euros in the first ten months of 2010. Compared to the eurozone, the positive balance was 818 million euros. In October 2011, goods exports rose by 11.5%, representing the 21st consecutive month with double-digit growth.
Industry | 12/20/2011

The new minister is sworn in

The new minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, will be formally sworn in at 12 noon on Thursday 22 December 2011 at ministry headquarters, Paseo de la Castellana, 160. The event will be open to all the media.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 12/14/2011

The government warns of fraud in Premium SMS Service contracts

The fraudulent use of commercial brands to attract subscriptions to Premium SMS services has been detected. The Commission is officially investigating this matter and has opened 11 files which may lead to the closure of the numbers if a breach of the Code of Conduct is found. The Commission recommends all users to read the conditions of the subscription carefully, and reminds them that to cancel it, they must send a message with the word “BAJA” to the number which sends them the unwanted Premium SMS messages.
Energy | 12/11/2011

Miguel Sebastián meets with the former Prime Minister of Japan, Naoto Kan

The meeting was also attended by the Secretary of State for Energy, Fabrizio Hernández, and the General Secretary for Industry, Teresa Santero. The two delegations exchanged their impressions regarding renewable energy.
Trade | 12/8/2011

In November, the prices of Swiss chard, sardines and lemons fell and the price of bananas and green beans went up

In year-on-year terms, prices of lemons and onions were notably lower, by 15.84% and 12.38% respectively. The price of whiting rose by 12.89% and bananas by 10.77%. In month-to-month terms there was a 8.52% increase in the price of green beans and a 2.60% increase in Swiss chard prices. The prices of packaged products remain stable compared to the month of October.
Tourism | 11/27/2011

International tourists spent nearly 47 billion euros from January to October, an increase of 8.4%

Expenditure by tourists in September rose 9.8%, reaching a total of 4.713 billion euros. The UK, the Netherlands and France were the leading markets, with increases in spending in Spain of 12.7%, 47.1%, and 23.3%, respectively.
Tourism | 11/21/2011

La llegada de turistas internacionales sube un 8% entre enero y octubre hasta casi 51 millones

En el mes de octubre, la entrada de turistas subió también un 8%. Destaca el alza del 12,8% en la llegada de turistas británicos en octubre, así como los avances del 36,7% y del 23,2% de los mercados de Países Bajos e Italia, respectivamente. Canarias, Comunidad Valenciana y Cataluña, con alzas del 15,7%, 10,6% y 10,2%, son las comunidades que registraron mayor incremento en la entrada de turistas el pasado mes.
Trade | 11/21/2011

Exports increased 17.3% year on year during the first nine months of 2011

The trade deficit fell 9.8% up to September compared to values for the same period in 2010. The energy deficit rose by 22.5%, while the non-energy deficit fell by 68.9%. Exports to non-EU European countries, North America and Latin America continued to be lively, with increases of 34.4%, 28.4% and 25.3%, respectively Spain saw a trade surplus with the EU-27 of 3,174 million euros, compared to the deficit of 4,415 million euros from the first nine months of 2010. Compared to the eurozone, the positive balance was 1,258 million euros. In September 2011, exports rose by 11.8%, representing the 20th consecutive month with double-digit growth.
Energy | 11/17/2011

The government regulates the administrative and technical conditions for connecting low voltage power installations

The Royal Decree passed today clears the path for distributed generation by simplifying the procedures for small electricity generators to enter the system, preparing the conditions for self consumption. The regulations will facilitate the development of renewable energy in homes and for SMEs. They will be complemented by the net balance regulations currently being drawn up, which will regulate self consumption. The gradual entry of this type of small generators will change the present centralised model of large electricity plants, promoting a new and increasingly distributed generating system, with significant advantages for the system and for consumers.
Industry | 11/17/2011

The government extends its subsidies for the purchase of electric vehicles

The RD approved today extends the application period for subsidies until 15 December 2011, and from 1 January to 30 November 2012. This extension is motivated by the delay until 2012 of many of the forthcoming models of electric vehicles, and is intended to show clear support for the development of electric vehicles in our country.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 11/17/2011

The government approves a plan to free up the digital dividend

The Plan details the technical, social and transversal actions to be taken to free up the radio frequencies which constitute the so-called digital dividend. The target is for the 790-862 MHz waveband, currently used by television, to be freed before 2015 for broadband services. The lines of work include planning the radio frequencies, a plan to launch the technical network, and a payment plan for temporary simulcasting, and for the adaptation of receiver facilities where necessary. It also includes a series of communication actions addressed at the public and at government bodies.
Trade | 11/16/2011

Sebastián inaugurates the first regional meeting between CEOE and CCPIT, the Chinese Council for the Promotion of International Trade, in Chengdu

The minister spoke to Chinese and Spanish business owners, highlighting the drive in Spanish foreign trade to recover from the crisis. The efforts of the Spanish government to improve trade relations with China have led to a 33% increase in Spanish exports to China in 2010 and around 30% in 2011. This ends the ninth visit by Miguel Sebastián to China since he was appointed Minister of Industry, Tourism and Trade in 2008.
Trade | 11/15/2011

Miguel Sebastián opens the largest food and agriculture fair in Asia

This is a trade fair with exclusively foreign exhibitors, which arouses great interest among Chinese distributors and end customers. The minister talked about the excellent properties of the ‘Mediterranean Diet’ and pointed out that the two most important features of our gastronomy are quality and variety. Spain took part in the fair through 68 companies, mainly SMEs. Although a wide range of Spanish products were shown, wines, oils and meat products predominated, including ham. Exports of Spanish food and agricultural products to China in the first half of 2011 came to €117 million, 60% up on the same period last year.
Trade | 11/14/2011

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in China thanks Miguel Sebastián for his support in their entry into the Chinese market

The minister was given a commemorative plaque by this institution, which brings together 490 Spanish companies operating in the Asian giant. Sebastián presided the signature of two contracts between the Spanish company Indra and Hainan Airlines, and visited a Chinese company making electric buses.
Trade | 11/13/2011

Miguel Sebastián thanks the Chinese authorities for their help in the introduction of Spanish companies into their country

During the first day, the Spanish Minister of Industry met with the Chinese Deputy Minister for Trade, Zhong Shan. The priority goal for trade relations between Spain and China is to reach a more even balance of trade.
Trade | 11/12/2011

Miguel Sebastián viaja a China para fortalecer la cooperación industrial

El ministro visitará Pekín, Shanghái y Chengdu, donde se reunirá con diferentes autoridades locales y empresarios españoles. Sebastián se interesará por iniciativas industriales españolas en la zona, como el proyecto de construcción de una fábrica de silicio metal, un simulador de vuelo y una empresa de automoción.
Energy | 11/10/2011

Renewable energy will meet 20.8% of Spain's energy needs by 2020

The government approved the Indicative Energy Plan and the Renewable Energy Plan (PER) for 2020, establishing the path for Spain to surpass the EU goal of 20% energy consumption coming from renewable sources by 2020. Renewable electricity will meet 61% of the PER targets by 2020. Renewable energy will have 30% greater weight in electricity generation, 57% in thermal uses, and 125% in transport. The PER will generate profits estimated at €29,000 million thanks to reduced use of fossil fuels. Furthermore, during this period 171 million tonnes of carbon emissions will be avoided. Mature technologies are being consolidated and it is proposed to regulate self-consumption and invest in R&D with technologies such as geothermal and wave energy.
Tourism | 11/10/2011

Visas for Russian tourists increased by 58.6% in the first nine months of the year

Forecasts suggest that there will be twice as many tourists in 2011 as in 2009. Numbers will reach nearly one million. The tourism season for the Russian market has closed with excellent figures for all destinations, especially Majorca, the Costa del Sol, the Costa Brava and Tenerife.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 11/10/2011

The Government approves a Royal Decree to regulate television advertising and provide the sector with legal assurance

The Council of Ministers has approved a Regulation implementing the General Audiovisual Communications Law on television advertising which makes some details of the law more specific. To be precise, the Regulation defines areas such as self-promotion, telepromotions, sponsorships with advertising, and advertisements broadcast during sports events.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 11/9/2011

The Government closes the bidding on the radio spectrum with revenue of 2 billion euros for the Treasury

In the auction, which ended today, 7 of the 8 participating operators pledged a total of 185.4 million euros for the 4 countrywide frequency blocks and another 4 regional blocks. In the first auction of frequencies, operators pledged over 1.647 billion euros, which was added to the contribution of 168 million euros by the operators winning the frequencies awarded by tender. In the 2011-2013 period an estimated investment of €1.2 billion will be generated, leading to the creation of 40,000 jobs. In total, the auction by the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade will enable mobile broadband services to be provided in rural areas and the introduction of 4th generation mobile phone services (LTE).
Energy | 11/9/2011

Industry adds 990 new photovoltaic plants to the list of installations with payment rights

The large number of applications submitted in the third quarter (3,306) shows that the rate structure is very attractive for developers in this industry. For the next edition, corresponding to the fourth quarter of 2011, the quota for types I.1 (small roof installations), I.2 (large roof installations) and II (ground installations) will be 7.182 MW, 68.014 MW and 35.213 MW, respectively. The new rates for the fourth edition of 2011 will be 27.3817 (l.1), 19.3170 (l.2) and 12.4970 c€/KWh (II). The result of the 4th edition will be published next week.
Trade | 11/7/2011

Miguel Sebastián highlights the good relationship between Spain and China

The minister announced he will travel to China next week to strengthen relations with this Asian country. 'It is a good idea to present Spanish products and companies; we want to keep increasing exports and for more Chinese tourists to come to Spain,' Sebastián said. Spain will welcome 100,000 Chinese tourists in 2011 and hopes to reach a million in 2020.
Trade | 11/7/2011

Competitiveness compared to other EU and OECD countries improves in the first half of the year

The ITC calculated in relation to the unitary value of exports (IVUs) shows increased competitiveness against EU and OECD countries from January to June. The ITC calculated in relation to inflation (IPCs) shows increased competitiveness against non-Eurozone EU countries in the first nine months of 2011. The indicators, drawn up by the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade, allow us to analyse the competitiveness of the foreign trade sector compared to other countries with which we maintain trade relations.
Tourism | 11/6/2011

The Ministry of Industry forecasts an increase in British tourism in Spain for 2012

The Prince and Princess of Asturias visit the World Travel Market, the world's most important tourism trade fair, accompanied by the Secretary of State for Foreign Trade and the General Secretary for Tourism and Domestic Trade. Spain is present in 2,800 square metres of stands representing Autonomous Regions and private companies. The stand of the Spanish Board of Tourism, Turespaña, is 600 square metres, with 62 participants. Arrivals by British tourists in the first nine months of the year rose by 9.2% to over 11 million. 85.8% of British visitors to Spain are on return trips, and 42.2% are making their tenth visit.
Trade | 11/3/2011

Miguel Sebastián calls on Spanish companies to invest in Chile

Sebastián made this recommendation in the presence of the Chilean Minister for the Economy, Development and Tourism, Pablo Longueira.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 11/3/2011

A total of 8 operators will participate in the auction completing the bidding process for the entire radio spectrum

The Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade is opening the bidding process for the frequency blocks which were unassigned in last summer's auction, a total of 50 MHz. 24 frequency blocks in the 900 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands will be available, with a total opening price of over 189 million euros. The State has so far obtained funds totalling €1.815 billion in all calls for tenders, and the operators to be awarded the auctioned frequencies are also committed to investments of €733 million.
Trade | 11/3/2011

Foreign Trade and Immigration sign a protocol to encourage foreign investment

The agreement is intended to facilitate the procedures for foreign companies making investments leading to job creation. It will help attract foreign companies and encourage job creation.
Trade | 11/2/2011

The Minister for Industry awards the 2011 Medals and Plaques for Merit in Trade

These awards single out individuals and the activities of public-private bodies and companies that have contributed to domestic and foreign trade and helped Spanish trade policy. Miguel Sebastián highlighted the development of Spanish export companies, which have doubled in number in the last eight years bringing the total to 110,000 in 2010, of which 40,000 regularly export goods.
Tourism | 11/2/2011

Miguel Sebastián awards the 2011 Medals and Plaques for Merit in Tourism

The awards acknowledge the winners' contributions to the development and promotion of tourism. The Minister for Industry emphasised the favourable performance of the tourism season, with a record figure for spending by foreign tourists in the year so far, 42.242 billion euros.
Tourism | 11/2/2011

The Ministry of Industry and the Instituto Tecnológico Hotelero (Technological Institute of Hoteliers) sign an agreement to encourage innovation in tourism

The agreement has a budget of 350,628 euros, of which 100,228 are allotted to the ITH and 250,000 to Segittur. The goal is to encourage innovation in the tourism industry through a programme to raise awareness, including workshops to improve the sustainability and efficiency of the sector.
Industry | 11/1/2011

Luzferlamps wins the 2011 National Craft Award

The Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade's National Craft Award is intended to recognise the merits of companies which adapt to current markets without losing the specific characteristics which define them. The other prizes include the Product Award, which this year was presented to the Barcelona company Luesma Vega, and the Promociona Award for private entities, which was won by the Galician company Regalcerámica. The Promociona Award for public entities was given to the Valencia Region Craft Centre.
Trade | 11/1/2011

Los precios de las judías verdes y las peras bajan en octubre y el precio de los tomates sube

En términos intermensuales se produce un descenso del 4,43% en las judías verdes y un incremento en el precio de los tomates en un 5,56%. Los limones y las cebollas se abaratan un 25,26% y un 13,11% respectivamente frente al mes de octubre del año pasado. Estabilidad en los precios de los productos envasados frente al mes de septiembre. En términos interanuales, destaca el descenso de los limones y el pan de molde. Las subidas se registran en el jurel y el aceite de girasol.
Tourism | 10/27/2011

El gasto de turistas extranjeros entre julio y septiembre sube un 8%, hasta los 19.701 millones, cifra récord en verano desde el inicio de los registros

Entre enero y septiembre, el gasto aumentó un 8,2%, hasta los 42.242 millones de euros. El gasto de los turistas en el mes de septiembre subió un 5,8%, hasta los 5.433 millones de euros. Los turistas de Francia, Países Nórdicos y Alemania fueron los que más incrementaron su gasto, con subidas del 7,7%, el 5,2% y el 3%, respectivamente
Industry | 10/26/2011

On the morning of Sunday, October 30, clocks should be turned back one hour

Summer time, which was established by a European directive that is obligatory for all member countries of the European Union, comes to an end. According to the estimations of the Energy Savings and Diversification Institute (IDEA), lighting savings brought about by the change during the months it was in effect, from March to October, may reach 5%, which is equivalent to 300 million euros.
Trade | 10/25/2011

Miguel Sebastian strengthens trade relations with the United Arab Emirates

The minister met with his Emirates counterpart, with whom he spoke of boosting bilateral cooperation. Sebastian honours the Minister of Foreign Trade, Sheikha Lubna, with the Command of the Order of Civil Merit in gratitude for the cooperation extended to Spain in recent years.
Trade | 10/24/2011

Miguel Sebastián endorses the potential of Spanish companies in Qatar

The minister inaugurates the Spain-Qatar Business Meeting where more than 80 Spanish companies are participating. He is meeting with the Ministers of Finance, Industry and Energy, as well as other high ranking officials in the Qatari government.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 10/23/2011

The Ministry of Industry supports the presence of Spanish ICT sector companies in Colombia

The Secretary of State for Telecommunications and the Information Society, Juan Junquera, heads a delegation of fourteen leading electronic administration and digital healthcare companies. This trade mission joins other successful missions in countries such as Brazil and the USA, whose purpose is to enhance the competitiveness of the IT sector in international markets and to identify new opportunities for growth.
Trade | 10/23/2011

Miguel Sebastián travels to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to boost trade relations with the two Gulf countries

The purpose of the trip is to support the Spanish companies already established in these countries, in addition to other companies hoping to do business in the region. The minister will meet with senior ministry personnel from both countries, including the Emirates' minister for Foreign Trade, on whom he will confer with a decoration. On Wednesday Miguel Sebastián will meet representatives of the Spanish Business Council in UAE, the umbrella organisation for Spanish companies in the Emirates.
Tourism | 10/23/2011

Spain recorded 8.5% growth in the entrance of tourists from July to September

This month, September, nearly 6 million international tourists arrived in Spain, 9.2% more than in 2010, representing the third best month in history. From January to September, nearly 46 million tourists came to Spain, 8% more than in 2010. By region, the Canary Islands leads with an increase of 20.2%, followed by the Balearic Islands and Valencia, with growth of 10.5% and 7% respectively.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 10/20/2011

The government promotes the opening of the Spanish general administration's public data

The Council of Ministers has approved a Royal Decree on the reuse of public information which will favour the creation of new products and services in the digital content sector and contribute to transparency in the activities of public administrations With this new regulation, Spain is positioned among the leading countries in the openness of public information, such as the USA or the UK, while favouring the growth of the sector of companies which reuse information, which had a turnover of 550 to 650 million euros in 2010
Trade | 10/19/2011

Exports increased 18% year on year during the first eight months of 2011

The trade deficit fell 12.5% up to August compared to values for the same period in 2010. The energy deficit rose by 19.4%, while the non-energy deficit fell by 72.3%. Exports were notably lively to non-EU European countries, North America and Latin America, with increases of 34.6%, 28.9% and 26.7%, respectively Spain saw a trade surplus with the EU-27 of 3,337 million euros, compared to the deficit of 4,281 million euros from the first eight months of 2010. Compared to the eurozone, the positive balance was 1,424 million euros. In August, exports rose by 20%, representing the 19th consecutive month with double-digit growth.
Industry | 10/16/2011

Miguel Sebastián calls for the commitment to electric vehicles to be sustained after the general elections of 20 November

Prince Felipe opened the facilities and wished the Twizy, which will be manufactured in Valladolid, every success. Minister Sebastián praises Jean Pierre Laurent's work at the head of Renault Spain.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 10/12/2011

Los Príncipes de Asturias inauguran el Campus Party Milenio

El ministro Sebastián ha recordado la enorme importancia que tiene Granada por su papel en el impulso de la TIC's en el conjunto de Europa. El encuentro reúne a expertos, ponentes y 600 participantes de 22 países de la cuenca mediterránea.
Trade | 10/12/2011

22.6% of companies have increased their export order portfolios for the third quarter

This is the tenth consecutive quarter in which exports continue to show positive levels. The percentage of companies expecting to increase their exports in the mid-term has risen by 3.4 points Most companies indicate that both their export prices and their profit margins have remained stable.
Trade | 10/5/2011

ICEX and ICO enhance the internationalisation of companies through the ICOdirecto line

Companies that apply for loans from the ICOdirecto Line, to provide liquidity, and whose projects are positively assessed by the ICEX will receive a discount of 1% on the interest rate. The ICEX will assess the projects and act as a collaborating agent of the ICO in this financing method.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 10/3/2011

The Ministry of Industry and the CSEV Foundation join forces to promote virtual education

The Ministry of Industry is joining the board of patrons of the CSEV Foundation, whose other members include UNED, the Education, Innovation and Foreign Ministries, and major companies. The CSEV Foundation seeks to become the benchmark for virtual teaching of higher education, a meeting place and generator of best practices, disseminating knowledge and providing a forum for debate in this area.
Energy | 10/3/2011

Miguel Sebastián argues for international cooperation in developing clean energy

The main challenges include reducing CO2 emissions, energy security and developing new energy sources to contribute to world economic growth. Spain is one of the leading countries in renewable energy, with more than 20 GW of installed wind power (4th in the world), 4 GW of photovoltaics and 900 MW of solar thermal. After opening the G20 forum, the minister attended the inauguration of the Gemasolar solar thermal plant, together with HM King Juan Carlos and the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan.
Trade | 10/3/2011

Tomato and veal prices are lower than last year, while the price of yellowtail has risen

Lemons and oranges are 26% and 12% cheaper than last September, although more expensive than in August. In month-to-month terms, there was a notable fall of 5.3% in the price of bananas from the Canary Islands, and a rise of 2.8% in the price of green beans. The price of packaged products has remained stable since August. In year-to-year terms, there is a notable rise in the price of sunflower seed oil, and a fall in that of sliced bread.
Energy | 10/3/2011

The Minister of Industry, Tourism and Trade visits the Technology Development Centre for CO2 Capture

The Minister also visited the Ene.Térmica Energy Museum. He expressed his satisfaction at the progress of the Ciuden projects.
Energy | 10/2/2011

The Minister for Industry will open the meeting of the G20 clean energy workgroup

Spain, with Italy and South Korea, leads the G20 Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Workgroup, comprising energy experts from the governments of the group's member countries. For two days, clean energy and energy efficiency experts and businesses from the G20 countries will discuss the development of clean energy and efficiency within the G20. They will also address best practices in policies to encourage clean energy, and propose cutting-edge projects and policies supporting this type of energy. After opening the sessions, the Minister will attend the inauguration of the Gemasolar thermal solar plant in Fuentes de Andalucía (Seville).
Tourism | 9/27/2011

International tourists spend €36,800 million between January and August, a record figure

Monthly expenditure by tourists also reaches a new maximum in August, with an increase of 7.8% to stand at €7,326 million. These are the highest volumes of expenditure since the Egatur series began in 2004, both in monthly and aggregate figures, exceeding previous maximums set in 2008. France and Germany were the issuer markets that most increased their total expenditure in August with rises of 10% and 9.6%, respectively.
Industry | 9/26/2011

The managing director of Iveco presents the Plan for Expansion in Spain to Minister Sebastián

Iveco has announced the production of a new range of Daily vehicle at its plant in Valladolid, as well as new investments in Madrid. The Minister valued most positively Iveco's new Industrial Plan and informed them of the kinds of support available for this kind of investment.
Trade | 9/21/2011

Implementation of the Integrated Plan to Strengthen Exports and Investment approaches 90%

The Minister for Industry, Tourism and Trade, Miguel Sebastián, chairs the meeting of the Inter-territorial Council on Internationalisation (CII). The CII is analysing the satisfactory progress of the Integrated Plan to Strengthen Exports and Investment. Of the 28 measures in the plan, 14 have already been completed, and none of those remaining is below 50% complete. The exporter base increased by 2,100 companies in 2010, and in the first six months of 2011, the number of exporting companies rose by a further 7.2%.
Trade | 9/21/2011

The trade deficit fell by 15.8% from January to July due to a 17.8% increase in exports

The increase in exports is 3.5 points higher than the Eurozone average. Export destinations included non-EU European countries, North America and Latin America, with growth rates of 34%, 31.2% and 26.8%, respectively. Spain recorded a trade surplus with the EU-27 of €3,601 million, compared to the deficit of €3,771 million in the first seven months of 2010. With the Eurozone, the positive balance came to €1,886 million. In July 2011, goods exports grew by 13.8%, reporting 18 consecutive months of double-figure increases.
Tourism | 9/21/2011

Spain sets a historic record in August with the influx of 7.64 million international tourists

This is the largest monthly arrival of international tourists since the Frontur statistics began in 1995. From January to August, nearly 40 million tourists visited Spain, 7.8% up on 2010. Most worthy of note in August were the increases in tourists from the United States (16.7%), Germany (12.3%) and Italy (10.5%) .
Tourism | 9/18/2011

El ministro de Industria, Turismo y Comercio inaugura el remodelado Parador de Villafranca del Bierzo

Miguel Sebastián ha visitado el nuevo edificio tras las obras de reforma acometidas para modernizar sus instalaciones. El establecimiento cuenta con 51 habitaciones, doce más que antes de la reforma. Asimismo, se ha ampliado la capacidad para eventos y celebraciones. Dos aspectos especialmente importantes de la reforma tienen que ver con la accesibilidad y la preocupación por el medio ambiente, con la eliminación de barreras arquitectónicas y la sostenibilidad de los materiales de construcción.
Tourism | 9/15/2011

The Prince of Asturias highlights the role of Spanish tourism as a driver of the economy

The Minister of Industry, Tourism and Trade, Miguel Sebastián, reminded those present of the initiatives both Socialist governments have undertaken to strengthen Spanish tourism.
Tourism | 9/15/2011

The Government awards seven Medals and three Plaques for Tourist Excellence

They are in acknowledgement of the special dedication of people and institutions to the Spanish tourist industry.
Tourism | 9/11/2011

El ministro de Industria, Turismo y Comercio colocará la primera piedra del futuro Parador de Muxía

Miguel Sebastián visitará el martes las obras del Parador de Muxía, que cuenta con un presupuesto de ejecución de 25,7 millones de euros. El miércoles, el secretario general de Turismo y Comercio Interior, Joan Mesquida, colocará la primera piedra del Parador de Molina de Aragón, que conllevará una inversión de 29,7 millones de euros. Las obras de ambos paradores comenzarán de forma inmediata con un plazo estimado de duración de 36 meses.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 9/5/2011

The Prince and Princess of Asturias and Minister Sebastián inaugurate the 25th Telecommunications Congress

Prince Felipe stated that information and communication technologies can and must play a key role in recovering from the economic crisis and creating jobs.
Trade | 9/4/2011

Bajan los precios de plátanos, pimientos y cebollas y suben los de anchoas y naranjas

Los precios de los plátanos de Canarias se reducen un 10,82% frente al mes anterior mientras que los pimientos se abaratan un 3,74%. Los precios de limones y tomates bajan con respecto al año pasado. Las anchoas suben un 5,76% y las naranjas, un 3,30%. Se mantienen estables los precios de los productos envasados frente al mes anterior. En términos interanuales, el pan de molde baja un 7,58%.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 9/4/2011

The Ministry of Industry begins the bidding process to complete the awarding of the entire radio spectrum

It is holding a new auction to award the 60 MHz declared void in the previous process. A state block of frequencies will be granted in the 900 MHz band, together with a regional block in Extremadura and five state blocks, both in the 2.6 GHz band. The limit on frequency availability per operator is increased to 25 MHz in the 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands and to 135 MHz in the 1,800 MHz, 2,100 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands. The State has so far obtained funds totalling €1.815 billion in the call for tenders and the operators to be awarded the auctioned frequencies are committed to investments of €733 million.
Tourism | 8/29/2011

International tourists spend almost 7 billion euros in July, 9.6% more than in 2010

Total expenditure by international tourists over the first 7 months increased by 8.8% to 29.483 billion euros. The United Kingdom, with an outlay of 1.410 billion euros in July, continued to be the highest spending market in Spain. Tourists from the Netherlands spent 27.2% more, the largest increase over July 2010. The Canary Islands was the autonomous community that recorded the largest monthly increase, at 15.9%, followed by Catalonia, with an increase of 15.1% and the Balearic Islands with 13.6%.
Tourism | 8/21/2011

32.3 million international tourists visit Spain from January to July, an increase of 7.4%

July saw an increase in the arrival of tourists from the Netherlands (32%), Switzerland (29.2%), Belgium (23.5%), Italy (17.2%) and Ireland (11.1%).
Tourism | 8/18/2011

The Ministry of Industry assigns 4.45 million euros for the restoration of the Parador at Lorca

The measures reflect the commitment by the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Trade, Miguel Sebastián, who visited the affected area last June, to help alleviate the impact of the earthquake on tourism and business in the town
Trade | 8/16/2011

El aumento del 18,5% de las exportaciones en el primer semestre genera una reducción del déficit comercial del 8,3%

Las exportaciones crecieron un 18,5% entre enero y junio, apoyando la caída del 8,3% del déficit comercial. Entre los destinos de las exportaciones, destacan los países europeos no comunitarios, América Latina y América del Norte, con crecimientos del 33,9%,26,9% y 21,6%, respectivamente España registra un superávit con la UE y la zona euro de 1.587 millones, frente al déficit de 3.512 millones del primer semestre de 2010. Frente a la eurozona, el saldo positivo alcanza los 726 millones de euros en el periodo. En el mes de junio, las exportaciones de mercancías crecieron un 10,8%, por lo que son ya 17 meses consecutivos con aumentos de dos dígitos. El déficit comercial se redujo un 16,7%.
Trade | 8/8/2011

The CTI calculated with UVIs shows gains in competitiveness compared to EU and OECD countries in the first quarter of the year

The Competitiveness Trend Index (CTI) calculated relative to inflation shows gains in competitiveness compared to non-EMU countries from the EU-27 during the first half of 2011. The indicators, prepared by the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade, analyse the competitiveness of the external sector with respect to other countries with which we have business relations, taking into account inflation (CPIs) and the unit value of exports (UVIs).
Energy | 8/1/2011

The Government launches the Energy Saving and Efficiency Action Plan 2011-2020

It will be a continuation of the previous plans due to the good results they have produced, summarised by the fact that in 2010, Spain achieved the 9% energy saving target set by the EU for 2016. The plan driven by the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade will avoid having to import 965 millions of barrels of crude (1.3 times Spain's energy consumption) and it will reduce CO2 emissions by 400 million tonnes. It will save €78,687 million in the cost of fossil fuel imports and in CO2 emissions during this decade and it will mobilise investments totalling €45,985 million.
Trade | 8/1/2011

Tomato and pepper prices fall and those of sardines rise

The prices of packaged products remain stable compared to the month of June. In year-on-year terms, the most outstanding movements are the 7.83% fall in the price of sliced sandwich bread and the 16.08% rise in sunflower oil. In the prices of fresh produce, worthy of mention is the decrease in lemons by 18.91% and the 24.47% rise in Canary Island bananas. Salad tomato prices come down 14.37% and salmon rises 6.61%.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 7/31/2011

La licitación del espectro consigue 1.815 millones para el Tesoro Público

En lo que se refiere a la subasta, los once operadores que han participado en la misma han comprometido ingresos por un total de 1.647.015.126,63 euros por 51 bloques de frecuencias. En lo que se refiere al concurso, los dos operadores que ganaron las frecuencias aportarán otros 168 millones de euros al Tesoro Público, además de comprometer unas inversiones de 733 millones de euros. En el periodo 2011-2013 se generará una inversión estimada en 1.200 millones de euros que permitirá la creación de 40.000 empleos. En su conjunto, la licitación realizada por el Ministerio de Industria, Turismo y Comercio permitirá la prestación de servicios de banda ancha móvil en zonas rurales y la introducción de la 4ª Generación de telefonía móvil (LTE).
Energy | 7/28/2011

The owners of photovoltaic solar technology facilities will be able to access Official Credit Institute (ICO) lines of funding

This funding can be awarded with the possibility of a grace period of 2 years and an amortisation period of 7 years for repayment.
Tourism | 7/27/2011

The total expenditure of international tourists grew by 12.6% in the first quarter of the year.

International tourists spent 5.397 billion in June, 10.3% more than in 2010.
Tourism | 7/26/2011

Miguel Sebastián promueve que en 2020 lleguen a España un millón de turistas chinos

Una de las primeras actuaciones que se contemplan en el Plan será la gira por China del Real Madrid la próxima semana. Uno de los grandes hitos será la agilización en la concesión de visados con un reforzamiento de las plantillas de personal de los consulados de Pekín, Shanghái y Cantón. España recibió en 2010 un total de 102.000 visitantes chinos. En los últimos diez años (2000-2010) el número de viajeros procedentes de China se ha multiplicado por cinco.
Tourism | 7/21/2011

España recibe 24,8 millones de turistas internacionales en los 6 primeros meses del año, un 7,5% más que en 2010

En junio llegaron a España más de 5,7 millones de turistas internacionales, un 8,5% más que en el mismo mes de 2010. En el sexto mes de año destacan los aumentos procedentes del Reino Unido, Francia y Países Bajos. Baleares, Andalucía y Cataluña, con alzas del 12,3%, 10,3% y 8,6%, respectivamente, son las comunidades que registran un mayor incremento en la entrada de turistas.
Trade | 7/19/2011

Las exportaciones españolas crecieron un 20,2% en los primeros cinco meses de 2011

El déficit comercial disminuye un 6,5% respecto a los valores del mismo periodo de 2010. Notable dinamismo en las exportaciones dirigidas a América del Norte, países europeos no comunitarios y América Latina, con aumentos del 44%, 42% y 36,6% respectivamente. En mayo de 2011, las exportaciones aumentaron un 13% interanual, encadenando 16 meses con incrementos de dos cifras. El déficit comercial retrocede un 18,1% interanual.
Tourism | 7/18/2011

El programa ‘Turismo Senior Europa’ del Ministerio de Industria genera más de 53,4 millones de actividad económica en España

El programa ha atraído a 100.000 turistas de 16 nacionalidades diferentes a España en temporada media y baja entre octubre de 2009 y junio de 2011. El proyecto pionero destinado a las personas mayores de 55 años en la UE ha generado un incremento del 14% en las pernoctaciones entre 2010 y 2011. La experiencia piloto que se ha desarrollado en Baleares, Andalucía, Canarias y Comunidad Valenciana ha creado 1.690 puestos de trabajo en el sector turístico.
Industry | 7/13/2011

El ministro de Industria asiste a la inauguración de la central híbrida solar-gas de Hassi R’Mel

La tecnología ISCC empleada constituye el primer paso para el uso combinado de energías renovables y recursos naturales en la región. La construcción de la central, de 150 MW de potencia, supone un hito en la colaboración hispano-argelina en materia de energías renovables. Por parte española, ha contado con la participación de Abengoa y la Compañía Española de Financiación del Desarrollo (COFIDES), Sociedad Estatal adscrita al Ministerio de Industria, Turismo y Comercio.
Trade | 7/13/2011

El 30,9% de las empresas han aumentado su cartera de pedidos de exportación en el segundo trimestre del año

Es el noveno trimestre consecutivo en el que la percepción de la actividad exportadora continúa en niveles positivos. Mejora la evolución de la cartera de pedidos a un año respecto al trimestre anterior, aumentando el porcentaje de empresas con expectativas al alza. Más de la mitad de las empresas señala que tanto sus precios de exportación como su margen de beneficio de exportación se han mantenido estables.
Trade | 7/11/2011

España y Guinea Ecuatorial refuerzan las relaciones económicas y comerciales

El secretario de Estado de Comercio Exterior, Alfredo Bonet, ha inaugurado en Malabo el I Encuentro Empresarial España-Guinea Ecuatorial en el que participan 29 empresas españolas. El Ministerio de Industria, Turismo y Comercio tiene a disposición de las compañías un amplio abanico de instrumentos de apoyo a la internacionalización como la nueva Oficina Económica y Comercial de Malabo, que opera también como oficina regional para otros países de la zona. Guinea Ecuatorial es el cuarto destino de la exportación española hacia el Africa Subsahariana y un socio energético estratégico para España, al que compramos en 2010 más de 1,5 millones de toneladas de petróleo, por valor de unos 710 millones de euros.
Energy | 7/7/2011

El Consejo de Ministros remite a las Cortes el anteproyecto de ley del Sector Eléctrico

Se introduce el concepto de consumidor vulnerable recogido en la Directiva, figura ya existente en nuestra normativa mediante el bono social, del que ya son beneficiarios en nuestro país amplios colectivos de consumidores de electricidad. Las empresas comercializadoras deberán presentar facturas desglosadas y disponer de un servicio gratuito de atención telefónica al cliente, al tiempo que se estipula un sistema de multas por incumplimientos de las nuevas normas por parte de estas compañías. El anteproyecto establece una mayor armonización de las competencias de los reguladores nacionales de energía, así como el fortalecimiento de su independencia. Se establece que la aplicación de mecanismos de cooperación comunitarios por parte de otros estados miembros para el cumplimiento de sus objetivos de energía renovable no podrá afectar a la producción renovable nacional.
Trade | 7/5/2011

La inversión exterior directa en España aumentó un 114,4% en el primer trimestre de 2011, alcanzando 7.297 millones de euros

Es el tercer incremento trimestral consecutivo que consolida la tendencia al alza de la inversión recibida. La inversión española en el exterior aumentó un 20,5% en términos brutos hasta alcanzar 6.369 millones.
Trade | 7/4/2011

Bajan los precios de pimientos, tomates y judías verdes en junio y se encarecen plátanos y aceite de girasol

Los precios de los productos envasados se mantienen estables frente al mes previo. En términos interanuales destaca el aumento del 14,7% en los precios del aceite de girasol y el descenso del 8,5% del pan de molde. Entre los productos frescos, los plátanos de Canarias se encarecen un 30% interanual mientras que los limones se abaratan un 13%. Cae un 12% el precio del tomate para ensalada y sube un 8,5% el del salmón.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 7/3/2011

El Ministerio de Industria impulsa la presencia de empresas españolas del sector TIC en Brasil

El secretario de Estado de Telecomunicaciones y para la Sociedad de la Información, Juan Junquera, encabeza una delegación integrada por once empresas líderes en desarrollos de administración electrónica y sanidad digital. Las acciones de proyección exterior, que incluyen próximas misiones a países como China y Colombia, buscan fomentar la competitividad del sector TIC en los mercados internacionales e identificar nuevas oportunidades de crecimiento. Industria propondrá a las autoridades brasileñas que el país sudamericano se adhiera al PECoT, un programa de colaboración tecnológica pionero en el mundo enfocado al desarrollo conjunto de soluciones basadas en Tecnologías de la Información.
Trade | 6/30/2011

El Gobierno crea un grupo interministerial para apoyar la salida al exterior de las empresas españolas

El Grupo de Trabajo Interministerial sobre apoyo a la internacionalización de la empresa española estará adscrito al Ministerio de Industria, Turismo y Comercio. Servirá de foro de estrecha colaboración entre los distintos Departamentos Ministeriales, aunando esfuerzos que contribuyan a reequilibrar la balaza exterior y fomentar las exportaciones.
Energy | 6/30/2011

El Gobierno aprueba para su envío al Parlamento el anteproyecto de ley del sector de hidrocarburos

El anteproyecto transpone a la legislación española la directiva comunitaria sobre normas comunes para el mercado interior del gas natural. Entre sus principales novedades se encuentra la separación patrimonial para los gestores de la red de transporte, la ampliación de las competencias de la CNE y la introducción de protección a los consumidores vulnerables.
Energy | 6/30/2011

El Ministerio de Industria y el BEI ponen en marcha un fondo para fomentar la inversión en renovables y eficiencia energética

El fondo JESSICA tendrá un capital inicial de 127,6 millones de euros con cargo a diez Programas Operativos Regionales del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) de la Unión Europea. FEDER aportará 87,8 millones de euros de este capital. El fondo busca facilitar la financiación a proyectos de eficiencia energética y uso de energía renovable en Andalucía, Canarias, Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, Ceuta, Comunidad Valenciana, Extremadura, Galicia, Melilla y la Región de Murcia.
Industry | 6/29/2011

El Observatorio Industrial del Sector Textil subraya oportunidades que puede generar el uso de la tecnología como recurso estratégico

El uso de tecnologías ya disponibles en el mercado puede generar importantes mejoras en la competitividad en las empresas del sector. El sector textil-confección tiene un gran peso dentro de la actividad industrial española, con más de 117.000 trabajadores y 18.000 empresas
Energy | 6/29/2011

La Comisión Delegada del Gobierno para Asuntos Económicos decide congelar la parte regulada del recibo de la luz

Debido al aumento medio del 3% en la subasta de energía en el mercado, responsable de la mitad del cálculo de la tarifa final, la TUR eléctrica subirá un 1,5% a partir del 1 de julio. Los consumidores acogidos al bono social, que actualmente beneficia a 3 millones de hogares (unos 8 millones de personas), así como los consumidores en el mercado liberalizado no se verán afectados por los cambios en la TUR. Se mantiene congelada la parte regulada de la tarifa (conocida como peajes), la única sobre la que el Gobierno tiene poder de decisión.
Tourism | 6/28/2011

Los españoles realizaron en mayo 14,6 millones de viajes, un 14,6% más

En los primeros cinco meses del año, los residentes en España realizaron 64,2 millones de viajes, con un crecimiento del 3,4% Los viajes dentro de España crecieron un 2,6% y los viajes al extranjero, un 13%.
Tourism | 6/27/2011

El gasto total de los turistas internacionales creció un 8% en los cinco primeros meses del año

En mayo, el gasto subió un 6,1% a 4.516 millones de euros. Entre enero y mayo, los turistas gastaron más de 17.143 millones de euros en España. Reino Unido incrementó su gasto total un 10,5% en mayo y un 7% en el acumulado de los cinco primeros meses del año. Los Países Nórdicos gastaron un 29,6% más en mayo. El gasto medio diario de los turistas franceses subió un 20,1% en mayo. Los turistas gastaron un 15,7% más en Canarias entre enero y mayo mientras que Cataluña registró un alza del 15,6% el mes pasado.
Trade | 6/23/2011

El Gobierno remite a las Cortes el Proyecto de Ley de Contratos de Distribución

Con este nuevo texto normativo se pretende reducir los conflictos entre proveedores y distribuidores, evitando la falta de claridad, la imposición de compras mínimas o inversiones específicas, o la ausencia de plazos en los contratos. La norma pretende ser un instrumento normativo para el sector de la distribución comercial, acorde al nuevo contexto económico y a los nuevos modelos de negocio.
Information Society and Digital Agenda | 6/23/2011

El Gobierno destina 35 millones al capital riesgo para financiar empresas del sector TIC

El programa “Emprendedores en red” tiene como objetivo conceder préstamos a entidades de capital riesgo para fomentar sus inversiones en empresas del sector TIC en los momentos iniciales de su desarrollo (start-ups).
Energy | 6/22/2011

La Agencia Internacional de la Energía libera 60 millones de barriles de petróleo al mercado para compensar las interrupciones de Libia

España participa en esta decisión que será ratificada por el Consejo de Ministros a propuesta del ministro de Industria, Turismo y Comercio. Las reservas españolas liberadas serán de 76.000 barriles diarios durante los 30 días de la operación, equivalentes a 2,3 días de las reservas actuales que suman 113,7 días.
Trade | 6/21/2011

El déficit comercial baja un 20,8% en abril, el mayor descenso desde febrero de 2010

En los cuatro primeros meses del año, las exportaciones suben un 22,2% y el déficit comercial disminuye un 3,7% respecto a los valores del mismo periodo de 2010. Destacan las exportaciones dirigidas a América del Norte, países europeos no comunitarios y América Latina, con crecimientos del 49,4%, 47,3%, y 40,9%, respectivamente. En abril de 2011, las exportaciones aumentaron un 18,6% interanual, encadenando 15 meses con incrementos de dos cifras.

Ministry News for 2011

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