MUCH to do
The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Tourism will focus on improving the business climate, accelerating the transformation of industry, and reinforcing Spain’s production model.
Reyes Maroto MINISTER OF INDUSTRY, TRADE, AND TOURISM You are expanding the Industrial Policy Strategy 2030 as a roadmap to give industry more weight in our economy. What are the main points of the strategy?
For over two years, we have been working to set out an industrial policy that meets the challenges of the 21st century. The pandemic has demonstrated the importance of a strong industry, especially due to the development of industrial capacities and the industrial sovereignty that we now see as vital. What is more, when it comes to economic recovery, industry has shown itself to be more resilient against the pandemic and future crises, and therefore it is something that the country must commit to. Having more industry means betting on the modernization of our economic model and more stable jobs, innovation, and the internationalization of Spanish companies. In 2021, we will set out the basis for these changes, and we have a decade to put them into action.
In terms of industry, how will the general state budgets be divided up?
We have two major challenges to address beyond the resilience of the sector itself, where the data we have is more favorable than those of the industry itself. The sector is gradually recovering, and we have to accelerate the twin green and digital transitions. There will be a commitment to digitalization so that it reaches SMEs. We have incorporated a plan in which we will include a service portfolio to develop the training of digital skills, including AI, 3D elements, and traceability, and for that it is necessary get the workforce qualified. There will be significant investment in upskilling the workforce across all sectors of the economy. Spanish industries are committed, and we want to generate certainty and a framework for investment in Spain, a predictable framework to give investors a sense of security when placing their bets on us.
Automotive, with a GDP weight of 12%, will re
ceive, according to your statements, EUR10,000 million from European funds. What strategy will you follow in 2021 to stimulate the sector?
There is good communication with the sector, and we have dedicated spaces, such as the Automotive Working Group, to maintain that direct dialogue. The government plan is extremely ambitious; we have to make a qualitative leap. We have been leaders in combustion, and now we have to do the same in terms of sustainable mobility, considering those security and connectivity issues. Therefore, what is most important is having a framework, which the Automotive Working Group provides. We have to transition toward a more sustainable mobility model, and these certainties will soon pay off so that Spain can continue to be key player in the European market. The sector is mature, and we have to find certainty with projects and legal protection. Spain has been outlining a clear roadmap in terms of regulations. It is based on success, working together, and the belief that the strength of the automobile industry is capable of tackling this revolution and will continue generating wealth and employment for Spain.
What priorities does the ministry have for the rest of the year?
The first is to accelerate the vaccination process. We are working within the government on a strategic plan for the pharmaceutical industry because we want to strengthen its industrial capacities in develop and produce vaccines and medicines ourselves. In the strategic reserve, we have the production of masks, respirators, and PPE, and we want to position Spain as a leader. The second challenge is economic recovery and giving the most affected sectors the impetus they need to leave 2020 behind, which was the worst in history from the point of view of trade, tourism, and hospitality. The more subsidies, the better, though recovery has to be a priority. We want to emerge stronger from the crisis.