The economic growth that Málaga has experienced in recent years has been parallel to the strategic role that the Chamber of Commerce of Málaga has acquired not only in Andalusia but also in the Mediterranean. This institution acts as a link between companies and public administrations in Málaga and the rest of the Mediterranean, especially in Europe and North Africa. Its services are increasingly focused on the competitiveness, sustainability and international projection of its companies. Its consolidation as a technological hub in the Southern Mediterranean has attracted investment and quality talent, in addition to being a key player in the digital transformation of the region. In the following interview, the President of the Chamber of Málaga, Mr. José Carlos Escribano de Garizábal, reflects on the role that this institution plays in the future of the Mediterranean and the synergies that can be established with other chambers in the region as one of the members of ASCAME. In his opinion, the Chamber of Malaga is increasingly decisive in promoting entrepreneurship, revitalizing traditional sectors and promoting the integration of emerging technologies, consolidating the city as a benchmark in innovation and business development.
What is the main mission of the Chamber of Commerce of Málaga?
The Chamber of Commerce of Málaga is a public law corporation whose main mission is to represent, promote and defend the general interests of businesses in the province. Our institution collaborates closely with public administrations in the promotion of economic and business development. To this end, we develop services and aid programs based on five pillars: boosting the internationalization of companies, especially SMEs, promoting innovation and digitization, development of entrepreneurial culture and business creation, training and sustainability. In short, the mission of the Chamber of Málaga focuses on strengthening and improving the competitiveness of our companies and contributing to the sustainable economic development of the whole province.
What are the specific needs that companies in Málaga ask you about?
The queries from companies are related to key aspects such as business development, digitalization, internationalization, training and access to financing. Lately we have noticed a greater interest in our digital transformation programs, such as Pyme Digital or Pyme Cibersegura through which companies can opt for personalized advice and implement various projects with financial aid from European funds. There has also been an increase in the number of queries related to internationalization and expansion into new markets. To this end, we offer programs such as Pyme Global, Xpande and Xpande Digital, with trade missions, market studies and the development of digital solutions with financial aid from European funds.
What impact do the actions promoted by your institution have on the economic growth of the region?
The Chamber plays a very important strategic role in the economic growth of our province and in the strengthening of the business fabric. The Chamber of Málaga wants to position itself as a strategic partner for companies, offering services tailored to every need with the aim of promoting competitiveness, innovation and sustainability of the business fabric in our area of influence. All this has contributed to the fact that Málaga has become an economic reference at national and international level.
The mission of the Chamber of Málaga focuses on strengthening and improving the competitiveness of our companies and contributing to the sustainable economic development of the whole province
What solutions does the Chamber provide to the challenge of entrepreneurship?
The Chamber of Commerce of Málaga offers a wide variety of solutions to promote and support entrepreneurship, thus facilitating the creation and consolidation of new businesses. A good example is the “España Emprende Training Program”, which aims to raise awareness and support entrepreneurs and businessmen and businesswomen with information, advice and guidance in all phases of the life cycle of a company, from the gestation of the idea to its consolidation, also promoting the use of new technologies and the creation of contact networks. We also have a wide range of specific training programs for entrepreneurs, both face-to-face and virtual, aimed at improving business skills. Not to mention the business incubators, which offer a suitable environment for business development.
And how do you help Málaga companies to internationalize? Which countries are the most attractive for Málaga companies?
We promote the internationalization of companies with a multitude of activities. For example, this year we will organize promotional activities to support the internationalization of companies in countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Ivory Coast, Senegal, India and Saudi Arabia. In addition, we have launched the Málaga Export Hub, an initiative that aims to give greater international visibility to Malaga’s exporting companies. In 2024, 73.2% of Malaga’s exports were in Europe, 8.2% in Asia and the Middle East, 10.1% in North America, 2.4% in Africa, and 2.0% in Latin America. In the Mediterranean, the most important market is France – where Málaga exports 15.1% and imports 6.6% – followed by Italy and Morocco.
To what extent has the excellent economic situation in Málaga boosted the creation of new businesses, the renewal of traditional sectors and the implementation of innovation and new technologies?
In recent years, Málaga has registered the highest Entrepreneurial Activity Rate in Spain, with the capital and the province reaching 7.5% and 7.4% respectively, compared to 5.5% in Andalusia and 6% at the national level. This increase is attributed to the increase in the population involved in the ownership and management of start-up companies, reflecting a favorable entrepreneurial dynamic in the province. Similarly, the economic boom has led to the modernization of traditional sectors such as tourism and construction. In addition, investment in infrastructure and the adoption of advanced technologies have improved competitiveness and efficiency in these areas, adapting them to the demands of today’s market. In addition, Málaga has consolidated its position as a technological hub in southern Europe. For example, the Technology Park of Andalusia, the Málaga TechPark, has experienced remarkable growth, housing more than 600 companies and generating a turnover that represents almost 10% of the province’s GDP. This ecosystem has been key to attracting investment and job creation in high-tech sectors.
The Chamber of Commerce of Málaga offers a wide variety of solutions to promote and support entrepreneurs, thus facilitating the creation and consolidation of new businesses. Our institution provides them information, advice and guidance in all phases of the life cycle of the company, from the gestation of the idea to its consolidation, apart from promoting the use of new technologies and the creation of contact networks
How can Málaga face the challenge of climate change, a challenge that affects all Mediterranean countries equally?
Climate change represents a major challenge for Málaga due to its impact on key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, water resources and biodiversity. To face it, we must be very aware that we must adopt a combination of strategies that promote sustainability, adaptation and long-term solutions, with efficient water management policies and modern infrastructures. It is also key to take advantage of the resources we have and encourage the use of renewable energies, as well as developing sustainable means of public transport, such as the Tren Litoral project to link the entire Costa del Sol. With these measures, Málaga can position itself as a benchmark for action against climate change in the Mediterranean, demonstrating how local action can make a big difference in the face of this global challenge.
The Chamber of Commerce of Málaga plays an active role in job creation, as evidenced by various initiatives it carries out. What results have you achieved?
The “España Emprende Training Program”, developed in collaboration with the City Council of Málaga, through the Municipal Institute of Employment, is one of the many actions we have promoted to promote employment in the province. This initiative, which has benefited 592 students through 21 classroom and online courses, has allowed both entrepreneurs and businessmen and businesswomen to improve their skills in key areas such as business management, digital skills and leadership. This action is part of a strategy of the Chamber that includes training programs, digitization, internationalization, innovation and sustainability, which aims to boost the growth of companies and entrepreneurs in the region.
Málaga has a strategic position in the Mediterranean, due to its logistics and port sector and its proximity to North Africa. What is the Chamber’s strategy to enhance intra-Mediterranean cooperation and take advantage of business opportunities with North Africa?
Our strategy is based on several pillars. One of the most important is the strengthening of logistic and commercial connections. Proof of this is our support to the Port of Málaga by promoting collaboration with ports and logistics areas in North Africa, as well as the creation of regular and efficient maritime corridors. On the other hand, we facilitate investments and business alliances through the organization of business forums and trade fairs that allow Málaga companies to establish synergies and strategic alliances with North African partners. Another key pillar is cooperation in innovation, internationalization, tourism and sustainability, a common challenge for all Mediterranean countries. For this reason, the Chamber of Málaga has launched projects such as “TourClass Maghreb” or initiatives such as “Nexotour” that have allowed us to cooperate in the tourism sector with countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, France or Egypt.
One of the most strategic pillars for our Chamber is strengthening logistic and commercial connections. Another key pillar is fostering synergies between Málaga companies and North African partners. In addition, cooperation in innovation, internalization, tourism, and sustainability is strategic for us and a common challenge for all the Mediterranean countries
How ASCAME and Málaga Chamber can work together to build the future of the Mediterranean?
For the Chamber of Malaga being a member of ASCAME is a unique opportunity to be in contact with other chambers of commerce in the Mediterranean and, therefore, to exchange best practices, to promote trade and investment relations -either through trade missions or inspirational missions-, to jointly implement European projects that help to improve key aspects in the Mediterranean such as innovation, blue economy, internationalization or tourism. The future of the Mediterranean cannot be understood without the strategic positioning of Malaga, due to its attraction of talent and high added value investments, its tourism and technological potential and its economic growth in recent years.
Are you optimistic about the future of the Mediterranean in the short term?
The short-term future of the Mediterranean presents both challenges and great opportunities. We firmly believe that with a joint commitment of public and private actors we can contribute to making this region a model of stability and sustainable growth. From Málaga, we will keep on working to translate this optimism into concrete results.