Information
In common with much of Western Europe, the older traditional industries in Catalonia, such as textiles, declined in the face of foreign competition. The surviving companies closed their factories in the city or along the rivers, leaving industrial wastelands or abandoned workers' colonies. In many cases within Spain, these industries moved to the Zona Franca (Catalan: Polígon Industrial de la Zona Franca).
The free trade area was constructed in two phases. The first phase covered an area of 70 hectares; the second phase, covering an area of 140 hectares, started construction in 1995.
The free trade zone is located within the port area, not far away from downtown Barcelona, and is easy to access. It is 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) away from the Barcelona International Airport, and connected via highway and railway.
Business investors here rent offices or bonded warehouses. They can also elect to purchase land to erect their own buildings.
The free trade zone offers a series of services. It is divided into a comprehensive service area, truck / lorry area, reception area and sports facilities area. It has a customs duties service, bonded warehousing service, advanced telecommunication and computer system, security system, combined multiple transport system and so on.
Read more about this topic: Port Of Barcelona
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