Het Financieele Dagblad, the most important economic newspaper in the Netherlands, has published an article on the recovery of the interest of international companies in investing in Spain. With the significant title of “Investors believe in Spain again”, the newspaper points out that “the economic malaise is part of the story. Spain is again interesting for foreign investors”. The newspaper indicates that a month ago the Renault company announced good news for Spain. In 2014 it wants to expand its production, which will mean an increase of 1,300 jobs. The manufacturer did have some requirements: the new employees would receive a contract for 18 months and from time to time they would have to work on holidays and weekly fines without receiving extra compensation. The information from Het Financieele Dagblad highlights the salary adjustment and the labor reforms that are taking place in the Spanish economy. “Since the beginning of the crisis, the cost of labor per unit of product has fallen by 6% compared to the European average.” Salary moderation makes Spain one of the most interesting countries to invest in, says FD, citing Ignacio de la Torre, an economist at the prestigious IE Business School in Madrid. Not only Renault, but also the Ford company has become aware of this situation. This car manufacturer recently closed its factory in Genk (Belgium) to partially transfer its production to Almussafes, where 15,000 direct and indirect jobs will possibly be created. “A Belgian employee costs twice as much as a Spaniard.” Likewise, Dutch entrepreneurs rediscover Spain. Marco Hulsewe, from teamOn Investments team in Barcelona,
