In 2025, Galicia is firmly establishing itself as one of Spain’s most attractive regions for foreign investors. Over the past two years, overseas investment has grown by nearly 50%, despite a general decline in interest in the country. Local authorities are focusing on a blend of cutting-edge technology and traditional industries — ranging from forestry to automotive manufacturing and agriculture.
Santiago de Compostela hosted the second “Galicia — Territory for Investment” forum, where business leaders, government officials, and major companies discussed how the region continues to achieve growth and attract capital. The focus was on supporting startups, developing infrastructure, and fostering conditions for innovation.
Economy and Energy
Industry and energy development have become key priorities for Galicia. The region is actively adopting renewable energy sources, although it faces bureaucratic and legal challenges. Authorities emphasize that further growth will require upgrading the power grid and expanding local authority powers to prevent certain provinces from falling behind.
Exports also play a crucial role. In 2024, Galicia broke its own record by sending €31 billion worth of goods abroad—3.3% above the national average. The region seamlessly combines high-tech industries with traditional sectors connected to the sea and agriculture.
Innovation and Sustainability
Major companies in the region are prioritizing eco-friendly technologies and closed-loop production cycles. For example, a unique facility in A Coruña is launching production of textile fiber made from recycled paper and coal, helping to reduce environmental impact. In agricultural areas, projects for producing biomethane and biofertilizers are being introduced, addressing waste disposal issues and supporting sustainable development.
The financial sector is also playing an active role. Banks are offering flexible solutions for companies entering international markets and are strongly supporting export operations. Special attention is being given to workforce training and the development of dual education programs to retain and attract young professionals.
Technology and talent
Without modern infrastructure and digital solutions, continued growth would be impossible. In recent years, more than 800 million euros have been invested in Galicia to develop communication networks, which is particularly important for remote and rural areas. Providers are using not only fiber optics but also mobile and satellite technologies to ensure internet access for all residents of the region.
Universities and technology centers play a key role, serving as hubs for new ideas and startups. Here, an ecosystem is created in which large enterprises collaborate with smaller innovative companies, while the government supports them at every stage—from incubation to entering international markets.
Partnership and export
Galicia is actively strengthening ties with neighboring countries, especially Portugal. After the Portuguese bank Eurobic was integrated into the Abanca structure, financial cooperation between the regions became even closer. This opens new opportunities for business and makes it easier to enter foreign markets.
At the forum, representatives of technology companies shared their achievements—from selling biometric solutions to international corporations to taking startups public on Nasdaq. All of them noted that support from local authorities and a well-developed network of partnerships enable rapid business scaling and the implementation of innovations.
In case you didn’t know, Ence is one of the largest players in Spain’s forestry and pulp industry. The company actively invests in green technologies and waste processing projects. Abanca is a leading Galician bank that supports local businesses with exports and international operations. Telefónica is the country’s biggest telecommunications operator, having invested hundreds of millions of euros to develop the region’s digital infrastructure. Igape is a government agency focused on supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in Galicia. All of these organizations play a vital role in transforming the regional economy and taking it to the global stage.
