Ambassador Wilma Andrade on Ecuador Spain ties, investment incentives, and fighting violence

Wilma Andrade has served as Ecuador’s ambassador to Spain since February 22. She was a member of Ecuador’s National Assembly from 2017 to 2023, representing the Democratic Left party. Across her career, she has consistently fought for women’s rights and helped push a gender quota law that guarantees 50% political participation. This week, she arrived in Barcelona, where she visited Alimentaria, announced 230 scholarships for Ecuadorians studying in Spain, and briefed a group of Catalan businesspeople on new tax incentives for foreign investors. In an interview with EL PERIÓDICO, part of the same editorial group, she discussed the major challenges facing a country grappling with a severe surge in violence tied to organized crime.

What kinds of incentives are proposed to attract investment?

The government of President Daniel Noboa has outlined several strategies. In the energy sector, for example, anything related to the energy transition, clean energy, and wind power will enjoy a full tax exemption for five years. A tourism law is in the works to offer incentives to entrepreneurs who establish hotel infrastructure or management, or pursue projects in Ecuador. Additionally, a new public-private partnerships law has been approved to make company setup easier by removing bureaucratic barriers, and regulations around free zones have been reformed. The president, who comes from the business world, understands the obstacles and tax issues that previously hindered investment.

How are Ecuador’s relations with Spain at the moment?

Relations are excellent and highly productive. Spain remains Ecuador’s leading trading partner in Europe, discounting the oil sector. There is also a strong link through the Ecuadorian community in Spain, which numbers about 438,000 people. Many work in the service sector, and there is a growing influx of health professionals arriving under regulated migration processes. The relationship runs deep, underpinned by shared cultural ties and the common language.

And with the European Union?

There is a meaningful EU framework that has enabled Ecuador to access European markets with various exemptions, and there is a desire to broaden and strengthen this access. Since January, many imported products from Europe enter without tariffs, such as vehicles. Conversely, Ecuadorian exports like shrimp, bananas, and cocoa benefit from similar openings. The focus now is to scale up the processing industry to export mass-produced products, which remains relatively small today. Processed products like quinoa and amaranth, organic and nutrient-rich, have entered the market but are still marginal in scale.

What is the government’s position on the EU’s anti-deforestation law, which blocks entry of certain products if they originate from deforested areas?

The stance is aligned with a strong environmental protection framework that Ecuador has been developing. A constitutionally enshrined recognition of nature’s rights safeguards watersheds, highlands, wetlands, and overall environmental sustainability. Compliance with these environmental norms is mandatory for all companies operating in the country.

What about the narcotics-driven violence that has hit the country? The country declared an internal armed conflict earlier this year. How does the government assess the situation?

The measures are unprecedented and reflect presidential courage, given the personal risks involved. They have yielded notable improvements, including tighter control of prisons and a substantial drop in violence and crime linked to criminal gangs. There is a clearer sense of security, and greater trust in the president, the armed forces, and institutions, while still respecting the rule of law.

Transnational drug networks are an ongoing concern. How is Ecuador collaborating with other nations?

It is a regional and global issue. About 70% of the drugs leaving Ecuador head toward Europe, especially Spain. The president has called for international assistance, not only in arms and ammunition but also in scholarships and job creation to prevent youth from becoming entangled with traffickers. Cooperation is being pursued with several countries for regional intelligence sharing and with the United States and Israel as well.

What internal steps is the government taking to improve living conditions and prevent people from falling into drug trafficking?

A public referendum is scheduled for April 21 to modify a constitutional clause that bans working by the hour, which would create more employment opportunities. A new law offering incentives to youth employment was also approved.

Some have noted that a predecessor, Guillermo Lasso, lost a referendum on similar reforms.

Referendums typically reflect support or opposition to the president who proposes them. Lasso’s campaign faced strong headwinds; still, Noboa has revived a key question: the use of armed forces to support public order without declaring a state of emergency, relying on presidential authority in challenging times.

Do you believe the referendum will pass?

Yes, it is expected to pass. The president enjoys substantial support—over 80%—and the armed forces and police show strong backing as well. The mood is supportive of allowing armed forces to assist in public order, with reforms aimed at removing compromised personnel and replacing them with a capable, fresh team equipped with internal safeguards to prevent recurrences.

Recently, the European Union and the United Nations launched the second phase of the Spotlight initiative in Ecuador. It marks Ecuador as the first country to receive funding to advance this project against gender-based violence. What is the assessment of this program?

The project is a critical effort. Despite advances in political rights for women, domestic violence remains a serious problem, with six in ten women reporting experiences of domestic violence. The initiative provides essential support toward ongoing work, including a robust legal framework against gender violence that has made important advances but requires sustained funding to build safe spaces for women at risk.