The region is first in iron,
steel, metal products manufacture and in machine tools, second in rubber
and plastic products, third in the paper and graphic arts industries as
well as electrical and electronic goods, and fourth in food production.
The Basque Country
Historically, the Basque Country has been considered the gateway to the
Iberian peninsula with a maritime and commercial tradition dating from the
beginning of the 14th century. Today, it is the most important industrial,
commercial and financial centre in northern Spain.
More than two million people live in the area, representing 5% of the
population of Spain.
The GNP generated by the Basque economy represents 6% of that of Spain.
The development of the region began in the 15th and 16th centuries with
the mining of iron ore near the rivers that cross the region, especially
the river Nervion. Today, over 5000 industries employing more than 50.000
people are located along its banks.
Currently over 46% of Basque companies work in industries related to
iron and steel, especially construction materials, metal and machine
tools.Other important sectors of the economy include food, machinery,
electric and electronic goods, automotive components, aeronautical
industries, paper and graphic arts, wood products and furniture.
The post-industrial age has obliged Basque companies, especially those
operating in mature industries, to undergo a process of modernization to
remain competitive. This process has culminated in the creation of several
technological centres for advanced R&D projects that employ over 5000
technicians.
The service sector is undergoing constant renovation, and is a priority
for the regional government. Banking, insurance and transportation
sectors, historically have a special importance in de Basque economy, and
now, specific plans are currently under development in the areas of
culture, transportation, the port of Bilbao is the third main Spanish
port, technology and telecommunications.
Basque industries currently export over 40% of their production.
La Rioja
La Rioja lies in the Ebro river valley, one of the most highly
developed areas in Spain connecting the Basque Country to Catalonia.
Its main industries are related to agricultural products: grapes for
Rioja wines, fruits and vegetables for canning and livestock for the
production of meat. Other important industries include the manufacture of
shoes, furniture and metal products. The importance of Rioja wine has
given rise to wine-related industries such as cooperages, capsules,
graphic arts for labels and boxes, presses and bottling machinery.
Navarra
The province of Navarra is located east of the Basque Country from the
Pyrenees to the Ebro river. Its area is 10.400 km2 with a population of
556.000.
Services and manufacturing make up almost 90% of the region’s
economy.
The manufacture and assembly of automobiles, auto parts, home
appliances, electric motors, transformers and generators are important
industries located around Pamplona, the capital, while the Ebro valley
produces a wide range of fruits and vegetables as well as grapes. Cereal
grains are cultivated in the valleys that cross the province.
Navarra is a net exporter of goods, primarily to France, Germany and
the UK.
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