Almeria's exports in the first semester of 2012 reached a value of 1,410 million Euro; 7.9% more than in the same period last year, with a positive trade balance of 713.5 million. In this period, the province has recovered its economic growth pace, which had slowed down in 2011, and exports have gained 1.5 points in Andalusia's overall sale figures.
Legume and vegetable exports have grown by 11.2%, reaching a value of 1,019 million Euro. Fresh fruits were the second most popular export (9.6% of the total), and in third place we find stone and plaster articles, with sales increasing in 2012's first semester by 39.5%. The main destinations for Almeria's exports so far this year are Germany, France and the Netherlands.
In this search for foreign markets, the Council of Economy, Innovation and Science, through Extenda, gave support in 2011 to 186 companies of the province taking part in several Extenda programs, such as fairs, trade missions, promotions in retail, etc. These firms were, for the most part, from the industrial and agri-food sectors (43% and 30.6% respectively). The markets they showed the greatest interest in were Germany, the United States, France, Brazil and China.
Andalucía Emprende is a Government of Andalusia foundation, adhered to the Council of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment, providing assistance to entrepreneurs and firms in order to boost business development and the creation of jobs in the region.
To do this, they have 215 Business Development Support Centres (CADE), of which 26 are in Almeria, where technicians specialised in different business areas offer, among other things, free support services, professional technical assistance, training, mentoring and business allocation advice.
During the first semester of the year, the Government of Andalusia, through the 26 CADE in Almeria, has contributed to the creation of 628 firms, which have generated 712 jobs after an initial investment of 11.8 million Euro. Also, Almeria's 26 Business Development Support Centres have given business lessons to 786 entrepreneurs, have mentored 458 business projects and have organised 97 acts to promote entrepreneurial culture in 36 municipalities, from which 5,216 people have benefited. In Andalusia as a whole, 6,225 firms have been started, creating 7,411 jobs after an initial investment of 91.8 million Euro.
Source: Elalmeria