The Region of Murcia has established itself as the tenth most export-oriented province of Spain, particularly solidified through its economic ties with Romania and Bulgaria, which together accounted for €125 million worth of exports last year.
According to analysis from the regional government, exports to these Balkan countries reflect not just monetary figures but also the growing reputation of Murcia's high-quality products. Marisa López Aragón, the regional minister for Enterprise, underscored this growth during her remarks on the upcoming business mission set to take place from May 19 to 23, 2025. "La apuesta decidida por la diversificación geográfica de las exportaciones regionales, que nos permite poner el foco en zonas como la de los Balcanes, en las que las estadísticas demuestran cómo se valora cada vez más la calidad de nuestros productos," she stated.
Regional exports to Romania amounted to €101.21 million, marking impressive growth by multiplying the 2020 figures by 2.5. Notable items exported included chemicals, meats, fluid handling equipment, vegetables, textiles, and cast products. Meanwhile, Bulgaria received export products worth €23.79 million, reflecting sustained growth of 20% over the past five years, with draws on vegetables, chemicals, textiles, fuels, and confectionaries.
The trade mission is part of the broader Plan de Promoción Exterior, organized by the Institute of Fomento (Info) with the support of the Chamber of Commerce of Murcia and co-financed by the Regional Development Fund (Feder). This initiative aims to facilitate access for small and medium enterprises to lucrative markets where their offerings are increasingly appreciated.
Romania, with its strategic location providing access to both the Balkans and Ukraine, has emerged as a promising logistics platform and transit hub for goods, particularly appealing amid the pressures stemming from the Ukraine conflict. Bulgaria, positioned at the crossroads between Europe and the Near East, offers ample connectivity through five of the Trans-European Transport Corridors, enhancing its attractiveness as well.
The sectors targeted through this mission include construction, agro-food, healthcare devices, information and communication technologies (TIC), machinery and industrial fabrication, metallurgy, logistics and transport, livestock supplies, chemical and cleaning products, textiles, confectioneries, energy efficiency solutions, and biofuels. The knowledge of this demand provides Murcia's businesses with strong incentives to engage and innovate for these markets.
With structured support from regional leaders and institutions, businesses interested in exporting to these dynamic markets have until March 15 to register via the Institute of Fomento’s website. Such initiatives pave the way for Murcia's continuing participation and expansion within the European customs framework, fostering even closer economic links and future opportunities for growth.
This concerted effort indicates not only the resilience of Murcia's exporters but also highlights their readiness to adapt and cater to shifting consumer preferences across Europe. Industry representatives and various stakeholders believe these efforts are just the beginning of what could be fruitful and expansive trading relations as they continue to build on the existing momentum.