Spain’s central government is considering declaring the Campo de Gibraltar a ‘zone of special economic interest’.
The move has been a long-standing demand from political leaders, trade unions and business groups in the Cadiz region.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting in Algeciras between Spain’s Finance Minister Maria Jesus Montero and representatives of the Campo de Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce.
After the meeting, Montero said the government ‘fully shares the objectives’ outlined in the proposal and committed to studying the plan and exploring the appropriate legal mechanism to implement it.
She explained that, regardless of the legal formula ultimately used, the Spanish government has a ‘total commitment to analyse the document’ and assess measures that could stimulate economic growth in the region.
Montero warned that creating a special economic status would be a complex and lengthy process.
Despite this, she insisted that steps should already be taken to support economic development while the legal framework is examined.
She highlighted the recent agreement defining Gibraltar’s relationship with Spain following Brexit.
According to Montero, the deal recognises the need for the Campo de Gibraltar to benefit from new economic activities and greater business dynamism.
She described Gibraltar and the surrounding Campo de Gibraltar as a strategically important area whose geographical position should translate into stronger economic and social indicators.
Infrastructure and tax incentives
The minister also referred to the Special Plan for the Campo de Gibraltar launched by the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, which has strengthened the presence of national police and security forces and intensified efforts against drug trafficking in the region.
Montero said that now that security has improved, the next step must be to promote economic development by attracting businesses and new investment.
One of the top priorities, she stressed, is the development of the Algeciras–Bobadilla railway corridor, a key infrastructure project for logistics connectivity and economic growth across Andalucia.
She also highlighted the need for fiscal and economic conditions that allow businesses in the Campo de Gibraltar to compete on equal terms with other regions that already benefit from investment incentives.
Meeting with cross-border workers
During her visit to Algeciras, Montero also met with cross-border workers in an event organised by the Andalusian branch of the PSOE.
She described the recent agreement on Gibraltar as a ‘historic deal’ that offers a unique opportunity for the economic development of the Campo de Gibraltar.
According to the minister, the agreement will improve working conditions and rights for cross-border workers through measures such as free movement and the harmonisation of labour rights and benefits between both territories.
Until now, she said, many of these workers had been left in ‘a legal grey area’, particularly regarding rights such as maternity and paternity leave.
Montero also criticised what she described as the ‘inaction’ of the Andalucian regional government, urging it to address structural problems in the area, particularly the housing shortage.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
