Presidents of employers’ unions in Galicia, Asturias and León joined forces with the Confederation of Spanish Business Enterprises in Madrid this week. They urged the government to promote the Northwest Atlantic Corridor, a project they view as a pivotal driver for regional growth. The plan requires an investment of 7.9 billion euros and is projected to contribute substantially to GDP by 2040, potentially adding around 4.5 billion euros in value.
Business associations across northwestern Spain presented a united report at a regional business meeting, arguing that the Northwest Atlantic Corridor is essential for development in Spain. They pressed for the early development and completion of a project they describe as critical for their region. They believe financing can be secured largely through European funds, alongside national contributions.
The explanations came from the leaders of the employers’ associations in Galicia, Asturias and León. Juan Manuel Vieites, María Calvo and Juan María Vallejo voiced concerns about unequal treatment compared with other parts of Europe due to insufficient infrastructure, calling it a historic shortcoming.
Economic and regional harmony is seen as the foundation for business success. The regional groups argue that the State must guarantee solidarity as outlined in the country’s constitutional framework. They claim the Atlantic Corridor would become a future booster for the economies of Galicia, Asturias and León.
Vieites noted that the corridor’s impact reaches beyond everyday business operations. It would help shape an economic system centered on freight traffic. He also cautioned that infrastructure alone does not create wealth; development requires accompanying policies and sustained investment.
The future of the Northwest depends on this project
The president of the Asturian employers’ association echoed those sentiments, describing infrastructure as essential organs of the economy that must be directed toward the most productive paths. He highlighted the region’s strong potential in industry, transportation and logistics, and argued that the corridor would raise productivity, increase GDP and generate employment in the medium term. “The future of the Northwest largely depends on this project,” Calvo stated.
Vallejo emphasized León’s challenges with retaining a young population, stagnant GDP and job losses. He described the Atlantic Corridor as a dynamic element that brings new investments and tourism to the area.
Will contribute 4.0 billion to GDP by 2040
The Northwest employers’ associations announced that the corridor could boost freight traffic from 7 million tons to 20.4 million tons, with annual economic activity rising by about 2.75 billion euros. When the corridor reaches full capacity by 2040, it is expected to add approximately 4.5 billion euros to GDP and create nearly 24,000 jobs.
Data from the accompanying report indicates that improvements in railway connections would also attract more domestic and foreign tourists to the Northwest, estimated to spend over 8.3 billion euros annually. The project could sustain up to 11,650 jobs each year through enhanced tourism and logistics activity.
The Atlantic Corridor presents an opportunity to reduce regional competitive gaps. Officials say it would support better rail links between Vigo and Portugal, and in the future extend to the Basque Country and France, currently connected to Spain mainly through Catalonia. The corridor would influence both the movement of people and the flow of goods.
Radial Spain exists, and the Northwest should benefit
Antonio Garamendi, president of CEOE, also spoke about the situation. He noted that 245,000 jobs have been lost in the region since 2008 and population decline remains a concern. He called for northwestern infrastructure that helps local firms compete internationally. He stressed that all business people must have equal opportunities, and spoke of the concept of a Radial Spain where the entire country gains access to the same level of infrastructure as other regions. He added that existing disparities should be addressed to ensure nationwide parity.
Garamendi predicted that the Northwest Atlantic Corridor would accelerate industrialization and allow the secondary sector to grow until it constitutes a meaningful share of each community’s GDP. He described the corridor as a pivotal route for moving people and goods, underscoring its strategic importance for the region’s economic future.