The Valencian Community posted the largest volume of foreign investment in the last decade during the previous year, according to the most recent figures from the Registry of Foreign Investments and released by the Ministry of Economy. The international capital allocated 2.036 billion euros to a range of projects across the autonomous region, marking a 135% rise compared with 2021. The data underscore Valencia’s appeal as a destination for global capital and signal strong momentum in regional growth strategies.
Rafael Climent, Minister of Sustainable Economy, was traveling on a corporate mission this week in India. He welcomed the numbers, noting the positive upward trend in investments for the region and what they could mean for a broader revival of the economy. He stressed that the 2022 figures reflect a notable uplift when compared to the ten-year average, reinforcing the view that Valencia is an attractive hub for international businesses. The Valencia Investment Desk is actively coordinating efforts to facilitate the arrival of these investments and to streamline processes for potential investors.
Climent highlighted that, aside from the Volkswagen project, the data show a clear pattern of sustained interest from foreign companies. He emphasized that the regional environment offers favorable conditions for growth, from a stable business climate to opportunities across multiple sectors. The investment landscape in Valencia is being shaped by coordinated leadership and ongoing support from the Generalitat’s internationalization team, which aims to connect investors with local opportunities and to accelerate project onboarding.
The regional strategy appears to be paying off in a mix of investment types. About 76% of the sum involved reinvestments or extensions by existing foreign companies seeking to deepen their footprint. Acquisitions accounted for around 22%, while new foreign investments made up roughly 3%. These proportions illustrate a trend where many firms choose to expand rather than relocate, signaling confidence in the region’s capacity to scale operations and generate sustained returns.
Analysts note that these figures reinforce Valencia’s role as a stable, growth-oriented market with a compelling business environment and substantial upside potential. Local authorities see this as evidence that Valencia can attract long-term commitments from international players and transform oversight into measurable economic benefits for communities across the region.
Source of investment
In 2022, investments by origin show the United States leading with 799 million euros, underscoring strong activity in manufacturing and services linked to tile production, the hospitality sector, and related ancillary industries. The United Kingdom followed with 464 million euros, driven by entries into food processing as well as stone cutting and finishing. France contributed 463 million euros, with notable activity in telecommunications. Other significant contributors included Austria with 110 million euros, and five additional nations—Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, and Hungary—surpassing 10 million euros in their Valencia commitments.
The government emphasized plans to host a forthcoming investment-focused event within the Community of Valencia. Scheduled for March 29, the conference will review the status of foreign investment in the region and present detailed insights into the 2022 projects via the Valencian Investment Desk, a unit within Ivace responsible for attracting investment. The event is designed for professionals involved in establishing or expanding companies in the Valencian Community, with insights intended to help prescribers, consultants, and business agents navigate the local landscape.
Beyond the headline figures, the data reveal a diversified portfolio of sectors drawing capital, including manufacturing, hospitality, telecommunications, and consumer goods. The sustained inflow points to a broader vision for Valencia: to cultivate high-value projects, integrate international capital with local capabilities, and drive regional development through strategic public-private collaboration. The ongoing collaboration among government bodies, local agencies, and corporate partners remains central to translating investment into job creation and long-term economic health.
In addition to presenting the latest numbers, Valencia’s investment leadership stressed the importance of transparent reporting and ongoing monitoring. By tracking project milestones, job impacts, and sectoral outcomes, the administration aims to ensure that foreign investment translates into tangible benefits for residents and businesses alike. The coordinated effort to attract capital, support investor needs, and promote Valencia as a prime European gateway continues to be a core pillar of regional growth policy.