Thriving Commerce in Malaga's Province: €400M Generates Over 400 Million Jobs
Andalusian Government Invests Heavily in Málaga Province's Commerce and Employment Sectors
The Andalusian government has made significant investments in Málaga province, focusing on infrastructure improvements that support economic growth. These investments, totalling hundreds of millions of euros, are aimed at critical sectors like agro-food, tourism, and regional commerce.
One of the key investments is a €2 billion water infrastructure plan across Andalucía from 2019 to 2025. In Málaga province, about €150 million has already been invested in 39 projects. This includes the tripling of desalination production in Marbella and the €39 million Río Verde ETAP, which secures critical water supplies for the area's agro-food industries and tourism.
Another significant investment is the acceleration of the extension of the A-357 Guadalhorce valley motorway. A strategic 4.2-kilometre section between Casapalma (Cártama) and Cerralba (Pizarra) is being developed with an investment of €57 million. This motorway extension improves connections between Málaga city and inland areas, facilitating commerce and employment by improving logistic and commuter routes across the province.
These investments have had a tangible impact. Across the Costa del Sol, €20 million has been invested, empowering 6,823 individuals. In Benalmadena alone, €7 million has been spent on job creation and training, improving the lives of 141 unemployed locals through initiatives like Emplea-T.
The Andalusian Government delegate in Malaga, Patricia Navarro, announced that over 25,500 residents have found employment through training programs in Malaga Province over the past three years. Navarro highlighted the role of these local shops in shaping Malaga Province’s cultural identity and praised their charm, warm, personalised service, and excellent products.
Navarro also celebrated the region’s commitment to encouraging job growth and championing local commerce with hefty financial backing. A new €1.93 million grant package, including €1.37 million for digital innovation, is being used to equip shops with advanced software and online marketing tools. €557,607 is being used to modernise local commerce through municipal projects and trade associations.
These investments have also helped nearly 300 trade associations, small businesses, and artisans in Malaga Province. Malaga Province has 33,701 establishments, accounting for 21% of Andalusia's total. Benalmadena, with 1,253 businesses, positions it among the province's commercial elite.
The announcement was made during a visit to Benalmadena's Open Commercial Centre. Jesús Fortes, president of the centre, and Rosa María González, head of the Benalmadena Merchants and Entrepreneurs Association, were present during the visit.
Malaga Province's future is being driven by bold investments in its people and businesses. €400 million has been invested in province-wide employment, including €219.3 million for youth, women, and long-term unemployed residents. This investment has been instrumental in helping the province recover from the economic impact of the pandemic.
In conclusion, the Andalusian government’s recent investments in Málaga province include substantial funding for water management (notably desalination and sanitation) and motorway expansion projects, aimed at supporting critical sectors like agro-food, tourism, and regional commerce. These investments have had a positive impact on employment, job creation, and local businesses, positioning Málaga province for a strong economic future.
[1] Andalusian Government Press Release, "Investment in Water Infrastructure and Desalination in Málaga", 2022. [2] Junta de Andalucía, "A-357 Guadalhorce Valley Motorway Extension", 2022. [3] Malaga Provincial Council, "Employment and Training Initiatives in Málaga", 2022. [4] Andalusian Government Press Release, "Support for Agro-Food Industries and Tourism through Water Security Projects", 2021.
- The funds invested by the Andalusian government in Málaga's commerce and employment sectors, particularly inDesalination projects, motorway extensions, and support for agro-food industries and tourism, have been crucial in stimulating local businesses and helping the province recover from the economic impact of the pandemic.
- As the Andalusian Government continues to invest heavily in Málaga province, ranging from water infrastructure to regional commerce and training programs, it is shaping the province's cultural identity, generating jobs, and positioning its businesses for success in a competitive global market.
