What the Zona Franca is

An organisation that promotes collaboration and dialogue

Created in 1916, the Zona Franca has played a leading role in Spain for 103 years. Its most senior governing body, the Plenary Council, comprises representatives from the Spanish Government, the Barcelona Municipal Administration and the leading economic organisations that operate in the region.

Both the Plenary Council, presided over by the Mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, and the Executive Board led by the State special delegate, Pere Navarro, are diverse, representative organisations that are committed to the community, ensuring ethical management and social, environmental and economic sustainability.

Consensus, dialogue and partnerships are part of an organisational DNA that focuses on common goals, which translates into numerous public/private agreements. This spirit of consensus has made the Zona Franca a pioneering organisation throughout history and also characterises its governing bodies.

DESCRIPTION

How do we promote socio-economic development?

  • Through the consolidation of industry and logistics.
  • By promoting business development for economic activity.
  • With a commitment to technology transfer.

We also promote social progress by collaborating with non-profit groups and organisations on initiatives with a social and humanitarian mission: this is the best way to utilise our assets and help to share values such as solidarity.

More committed than ever

In 2019, we updated our policies in relation to efficiency, quality, transparent management and client services, as well as innovation and the establishment of models such as circular economy as part of our ongoing commitment.

In the field of employment, we signed up to the Luxembourg Declaration to guarantee occupational health and safety. In addition, both the Zona Franca and affiliate Consorci Internacional SAU – dedicated to trade fairs – have a commitment to gender equality and equal opportunities to support the professional growth of our employees.

Vision, mission and values

Vision, mission and values of a unique organisation

The defining project of 2019 would have to be the work we have done to define our essential corporate declarations. Defining the Vision, Mission and Values of the Zona Franca has been a deeply enriching task. It has involved all of our stakeholder groups and resulted in the following definitions:

Vision

To be the leading hub for Mediterranean industry, acting as a driving force to attract, consolidate and champion companies that offer added value by providing them with innovation resources and services.

Mission

To boost the economy in the Barcelona metropolitan area by operating the Zona Franca Industrial Park and Zona Franca Aduanera [Customs Free Zone] as a key driver of economic and social value, thereby enhancing its international profile.

Values

  • Collaboration and dialogue
  • Professionalism
  • Team work and participation
  • Innovation
  • Environmental sustainability
  • Transparency
  • Economic consistency 

Value proposition

The role of the Zona Franca within the socio-economic fabric of Catalonia

The Zona Franca is a strategic asset for the city of Barcelona and for the whole region of Catalonia in general.

The economic activity generated by the Zona Franca, positions us as one of the most prominent drivers of the economy in Catalonia. Economic driver We have a consolidated network of public, private and social agents that carry out their operations in . the Zona Franca. Solid agent base Thanks to the Zona Franca and its commitment to international events such as property, logistics and digital trade fairs, Barcelona holds the global status for this sector. Global ambassador Commitment to the environment Our waste reuse projectcalled EcoCircular ZF, is a milestone in our commitment towards a new and more sustainable industrial culture. Commitment to the innovation Positioned at the forefront of the switch to manufacturing 4.0 for small and medium industries thanks to pioneering initiatives such as the 3DFactory Incubator high technology centre. Promoting the city Positioned at the forefront of the switch to manufacturing 4.0 for small and medium industries thanks to pioneering initiatives such as the 3DFactory Incubator high technology centre. Our Corporate Social Responsibility is reflected by collaboration with various non-profit groups and organisations as well as social initiatives. Social responsibility Commitment to development talent As part of our commitment to promoting the advancement and professional recognition of our employees, we organised 68 training activities in 2019.

Future horizons

+BUSINESS
+INNOVATION
+SUSTAINABILITY

2019 also saw the launch of the Zona Franca’s new strategic planning to establish its long-term actions and diverse investment plans. In this regard, we have defined new strategic lines that are grounded in innovation, sustainability and our lines of business.

They are as follow:

Sustainability

  • Develop circular economy
  • Boost energy efficiency
  • Integrar el Polígono Industrial en el entorno urbano

Innovation

  • Contribute to technological knowledge
  • Take advantage of synergies in today’s businesses
  • Integrate the Industrial Park in the urban environment

Business

  • Generate new lines of business
  • Improve their efficiency
  • Eliminate businesses that are not aligned

The Zona Franca has a firm commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. As a key priority, both internally and in our sphere of influence, we have committed to work towards Sustainable Development Goals in order to contribute and play an active role in meeting the 2030 Agenda.

In response to today’s accelerating digital evolution, in 2019 the Zona Franca prioritised the strategic innovation axis of DFactory Barcelona and, in just a few months, developed the 3DFactory Incubator that was launched in February by the government minister Pedro Duque. This high tech incubation centre for additive manufacturing companies was created by the Consortium together with its technology partner the LEITAT Foundation, with the support of ERDF funds through the INCYDE Foundation.

Thanks to our wealth of experience in trade fairs and exhibitions, highly-regarded global logistics organisations have entrusted us with organising their major events. To ensure that the image of Barcelona as an international logistics hub reaches its maximum potential, in 2019 the Zona Franca brought together thousands of industry decision-makers to our global summit, simultaneously turning Barcelona into the logistics capital in the world.

Governing bodies

Committed to good governance

Plenary Council

PRESIDENCIA
  • Ada Colau BallanoAlcadesa de BarcelonaAyuntamiento de Barcelona

VICEPRESIDENCIA
  • Pere Navarro i MoreraDelegado especial del EstadoConsorci Zona Franca de Barcelona

VOCALES REPRESENTANTES DEL ESTADO
  • Mª del Pilar Paneque SosaSubsecretaria de HaciendaMinisterio de Hacienda
  • Xiana Margarida MéndezSecretaria de Estado de ComercioMinisterio de Industria, Comercio y Turismo
  • Mª José Gualda RomeroSecretario de Estado de Presupuestos y GastosMinisterio de Hacienda
  • Mª José Rallo del OlmoSecretaria General de Transportes y MovilidadMinisterio de Transportes, Movilidad y Agenda Urbana

VOCALES NATOS (por razón de cargo)
  • Almudena Escobedo CanaldaJefaDependencia Provincial de Aduanas e Impuestos Especiales
  • José Alberto Carbonell i CamallongaDirector General de APBAutoridad Portuaria de Barcelona

VOCALES
  • Joaquim Forn i ChiarielloPresidente del Grupo Municipal Junts x CatAyuntamiento de Barcelona
  • María Luz Guilarte SánchezPresidenta del Grupo Municipal de C’sAyuntamiento de Barcelona
  • Ernest Maragall i MiraRegidor Presidente del Grupo Municipal de ERCAyuntamiento de Barcelona
  • Jaume Collboni i CuadradoRegidor Presidente del Grupo Municipal del PSCAyuntamiento de Barcelona
  • José Bou VilaPresidente del Grupo Municipal del Partido PopularAyuntamiento de Barcelona

  • Manuel Valls GalfettiRegidor Presidente del Grupo Municipal BCN pel canviAyuntamiento de Barcelona
  • Jordi Pomarol ClotetTesorero de la CambraCambra de Comerç, Indústria i Navegació
  • Jaume Aragall ClaveMiembro del Pleno de la CambraCambra de Comerç, Indústria i Navegació
  • Josep González i SalaPresidente de PIMECPequeña y Mediana Empresa de Cataluña
  • Mercè Conesa i PagèsPresidentaAutoridad Portuaria de Barcelona
  • Josep Sánchez LlibrePresidenteFoment del Treball Nacional
  • Isaías Táboas SuárezPresidente

RENFE – OPERADORA
  • Camil RosSecretario GeneralUGT. Unión General de Trabajadores de Catalunya
  • Javier Pacheco SerradillaSecretario GeneralCCOO Catalunya

SECRETARIO GENERAL
  • Antón FerréSecretario GeneralConsorci Zona Franca de Barcelona

OBSERVADORES
  • Blanca Sorigué BorrellDirectora GeneralConsorci Zona Franca de Barcelona
  • Jordi Martí GrauGerente MunicipalAyuntamiento de Barcelona
  • Francesc Xavier PozaDirector de PatrimonioAyuntamiento de Barcelona
  • Cristina Ozores JackAbogada del EstadoAbogacía del Estado en Barcelona
  • María Fernández GonzaloAbogada del EstadoAbogacía del Estado en Barcelona

Executive Board

  • Pere Navarro i MoreraPresidenteSpecial State DelegateConsorci Zona Franca de Barcelona

  • María José del RalloGeneral Secretary of Transport and MobilityMinistry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda

  • Mª del Pilar Paneque SosaVocalDeputy Secretary of FinanceMinistry of Finance
  • Almudena Escobedo CanaldaVocalJefaProvincial Customs and Excise Unit
  • José Alberto Carbonell i CamallongaVocalManaging Director of APBBarcelona Port Authority
  • Jaume Collboni i CuadradoVocalCouncillor President of the PSC Municipal GroupAyuntamiento de Barcelona
  • Jordi Martí GrauVocalRegidor de l’EixampleAyuntamiento deBarcelona
  • Jordi Pomarol ClotetVocalTesoreroCambra de Comerç, Indústria iNavegació
  • Jaume Aragall ClaveVocalMiembro del PlenoCambra de Comerç, Indústria i Navegació
  • Antón FerréGeneral SecretaryConsorci Zona Franca de Barcelona

  • Blanca Sorigué BorrelObserverGeneral ManagerConsorci Zona Franca de Barcelona
  • Sara Berbel SánchezObserverCity ManagerConsorci Zona Franca de Barcelona
  • Jordi Campillo GàmezObserverManager of the Municipal Institute of Urban Landscape and Quality of Life (IMPUiQV)Barcelona City Council
  • Francesc Xavier PozaObserverWealth DirectorBarcelona City Council
  • Cristina Ozores JackObserverState LawyerState Law Office in Barcelona
  • María Fernández GonzaloObserverState LawyerState Law Office in Barcelona

Management Board

El Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona
  • Pere NavarroDelegado especial del Estado
  • Blanca SoriguéDirectora General / Área de Estrategia, Innovación y Promoción Internacional
  • Anton FerréSecretario General / Área Jurídica / Área de Personas
  • Víctor FrancosÁrea de Comunicación Corporativa y Relaciones Institucionales
  • Francisco SensatÁrea Inmobiliaria y Zona Franca Aduanera
  • Mario SerranoÁrea de Urbanismo
  • Montse NovellÁrea de Responsabilidad Social Corporativa y ODS
  • Antonio MolinaÁrea de Seguridad
  • Jordi RaüllÁrea de Sistemas de la Información
  • Ramon XuclàDepositario

Consorci ZF Internacional
  • Pere NavarroPresidente
  • Blanca SoriguéConsejera delegada
  • Anton FerréConsejero delegado