ICEX CEO: Internationalization Now Integral too Spanish Companies

Elisa Carbonell highlights the shift towards strategic,long-term export plans,supported by ICEX initiatives.

MADRID – According to the CEO of ICEX, Elisa Carbonell, internationalization strategies “are already part of the DNA” of Spanish companies, moving beyond short-term reactions to economic pressures like financial crises or trade conflicts initiated by the U.S.

“ICEX will be prepared to support Spanish companies whatever the context,” stated Carbonell in a recent interview.

The Minister of Economy, Carlos body, and Carbonell recently presented the ICEX high impact plan in competitiveness, a key component of the Commercial Response and Rejoice Plan designed by the Government to address global commercial tensions.

Collaborative Approach to Export Strategy

carbonell emphasized that the ICEX Action Plan is the result of collaborative efforts involving the Autonomous Communities, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Employers CEOE.

“The starting point has been a common diagnosis of the sector’s situation,” she noted, highlighting the strength of Spanish exports.

she also pointed out that “the Spanish economy is the second most open in the European Union (EU), with more than 50,000 regular exporters of goods,” indicating a significant structural shift where exports are driven by long-term business plans rather than reactive measures.

Challenges and Opportunities for Spanish Exporters

Despite the positive trends, Carbonell acknowledged ongoing challenges, including the relatively smaller size of spanish companies compared to their european counterparts, lower investment in intangible assets, the need for greater technological integration in exports, and improving access to public financing instruments.

An ICEX survey revealed that companies exporting to the U.S. require long-term solutions, enhanced market intelligence, and a focus on competitiveness and resilience through market diversification.

The ICEX plan includes both short-term and medium- to long-term action lines.

In the short term, ICEX will provide “personalized and instantly” support to companies, offering “quality information.” this includes personalized advice to the top 500 companies exporting to the U.S., information on financing instruments from the Ministry of Economy, evaluation of internationalization plans, and increased production of reports on alternative strategic markets.

ICEX is also set to launch a new portal leveraging artificial intelligence to improve companies’ access to crucial information.

Long-Term Vision: Resilience and Competitiveness

Looking ahead, Carbonell stated, “You have to take the opportunity to address the pending challenges,” focusing on resilience through market diversification and enhanced competitiveness.

ICEX offers various programs tailored to the specific needs of exporting companies.

Access to reinforced public financing instruments is “basic,” according to the CEO. “The instruments are there and what we want is to make sure that companies, and especially SMEs, they have better access.”

“We are going to change the approach. If until now it was a bit reactive, we will opt for a proactive and project generation approach. We are going to go to companies to analyze their internationalization projects and their financing needs,” she added.

ICEX will also address logistics and value chain optimization.

A personalized services program will be launched to help companies streamline and enhance the technology within their value chains.Additionally, ICEX will promote Spanish companies, particularly SMEs, to multinational corporations.

Investing in Intangibles and Brand Promotion

Another key element is promoting the contry brand and investing in intangible assets, an area emphasized by the autonomous communities.

“We are going to launch programs to train Spanish companies in that investment and management of intangibles, such as brand or innovation,” Carbonell noted.

ICEX will develop a “road map” outlining the implementation timeline for each measure within the Action Plan.

“The plan is a living element, basically because it has not yet clarified what the final situation with the United States will be. That is why you have to provide agility and adaptability,” she emphasized.

While the U.S. market remains critically important, Carbonell advocates for diversification to strengthen the overall position of Spanish companies.

Potential alternative markets include Canada, Mexico, the countries of Mercosur, the United Kingdom, Arab Emirates, australia, Japan, and Singapore.

Understanding Internationalization

Internationalization refers to the process by which companies expand their operations and sales beyond their domestic market. This can involve exporting goods or services, establishing foreign subsidiaries, or engaging in international partnerships.Triumphant internationalization requires careful planning, market research, and adaptation to local conditions.