The year 2020 was not easy for the economy, impacted by the coronavirus crisis, but this did not prevent Catalan companies from continuing their expansion around the world. Acció's network of 40 offices abroad assisted more than 1,100 companies in their internationalization processes, 12.5% more than in 2019. The projects carried out by the companies have also grown, with a total of 1,980, an increase of 7.5%.
The offices in Paris and London have been the busiest. This is explained by Brexit and the adaptation that Catalan companies have had to make in their business with the United Kingdom, among other reasons. They were followed by Acció's offices in Germany and Miami. Likewise, those that have registered the most project growth have been those located in Tel Aviv, Lima, and Mexico.
The main sector of companies that have made the international leap has been food and gourmet products, with 9.5% of the total projects. Companies dedicated to information and communication technologies (ICT) and digital transformation were second (8.8%) and those in chemistry and plastics, third (7.6%).
The situation caused by covid-19 on a global scale and the uncertainty of Brexit have led to an increase in inquiries from Catalan companies that have encountered obstacles when exporting. Specifically, in 2020, 1,760 inquiries were handled, 12.2% more than in the previous year.
Companies have needed support to obtain certain certificates or to know the necessary documentation and registrations to export a product. They have also required assistance at destination to solve logistical and customs problems.