On this path, the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB) is a strategic ally. Throughout 2025, it has continued to consolidate itself as a key hub for the economy, innovation, and sustainability. Now it faces a new cycle with the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, defined by the ambition to lead Industry 4.0 and the new economy. Projects like DFactory Barcelona are already international benchmarks for industrial innovation, hosting more than 40 leading companies in robotics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, nanotechnology, and other advanced technologies. Its expansion will strengthen its role as a decisive asset.
Meanwhile, District 4.0 represents a new way of understanding the Free Zone: more integrated into the city, better connected to the centre, more efficient, and more sustainable. It thus becomes an engine that boosts competitiveness and creates opportunities, attracting talent, investment, and high-value-added projects.
Precisely, District 4.0 is one of the key areas of Barcelona Impulsa, an ambitious plan that will allocate 890 million euros through 2027, create 180,000 jobs, and transform 1.8 million m² of urban land. This is not just an economic programme: it is a forward-looking vision that aims to reactivate and position Barcelona’s economy as a leader in Europe and worldwide, by prioritising strategic sectors such as health, technology, culture, and the green and blue economy. It includes digital platforms, intelligent systems, and technological training for companies and workers.
Logistics plays a key role: smart containers in Mercabarna, product traceability, and platforms that connect suppliers and customers. We are also modernising the network of municipal markets and supporting SMEs and local commerce through programmes like Comerç BCN Digital or Connectem Barcelona, which provide training and tools to advance in digitalisation.
The Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona has also shown a strong commitment to Barcelona through initiatives that impact citizens, such as the transfer of various plots of land for the construction of 2,000 affordable housing units; the promotion of events and innovation platforms (BNEW or the SIL Fair); or the Barcelona Woman Acceleration Week, which this year celebrated its fifth edition.
We live in a world of constant change and full of opportunities that demand vision and leadership. That’s why public-private collaboration is essential. District 4.0 and the Free Zone are examples of how, working together, we can build a city ready to face new challenges and become a benchmark in innovation, talent, and sustainability.
It is an honour to preside over this entity. I want to thank the Consorci, the companies, the institutions, and all the people who are part of this collective project for the great work they do. With vision, investment, and cooperation, we will continue to make a more prosperous Barcelona with more opportunities for everyone a reality. The future is already here, and we are building it together.