Valencia, November 06, 2025 – Valencia takes another step forward in its international positioning strategy as an innovative and attractive city for foreign investment. Mayor María José Catalá has agreed in Lisbon a Memorandum of Collaboration with the Portuguese capital’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, aimed at strengthening economic relations between the two cities and fostering cooperation in innovation, sustainability, infrastructure, and culture.
This agreement reinforces Valencia’s role as a leading destination for foreign direct investment, enhancing its technological ecosystem, logistics connectivity, and capacity to generate new business opportunities.
Valencia, a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Southern Europe
During the meeting, Mayor Catalá highlighted that Valencia ranks among the top 100 cities worldwide for technological growth and boasts one of the most dynamic entrepreneurship ecosystems in Europe.
The city leads pioneering initiatives such as:
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Valencia Innovation Capital, a strategy that drives the attraction of technology and innovation-based companies.
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Sandbox Valencia, one of Europe’s most advanced regulatory frameworks, allowing startups and corporations to test projects in real-life environments.
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La Marina de Valencia, a technology and innovation hub offering tax incentives and an ideal environment for digital and creative industries.
Thanks to these initiatives, Valencia is consolidating itself as an open, competitive, and connected innovation hub, capable of attracting international talent and investment.
International collaboration to attract investment and talent
The agreement with Lisbon includes cooperation between Valencia Innovation Capital and Unicorn Factory Lisboa. With the goal of connecting incubators, accelerators, and innovation centers in both cities.
In addition, Valencia and Lisbon have agreed to promote the extension of the railway highway that currently links the Port of Valencia with Madrid, extending it all the way to Lisbon.
This infrastructure will strengthen the connection between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, creating a new European economic and logistics corridor. For businesses and investors, this connection will mean greater competitiveness, lower logistics costs, and direct access to key European markets.
Valencia: legal certainty, public-private collaboration, and investment opportunities
During the official visit to Lisbon, Mayor María José Catalá, accompanied by Paula Llobet, Councillor for Innovation, Tourism, and Investment Attraction, took part in a business meeting with the Luso-Spanish Chamber of Commerce and Industry, chaired by Berta Dias da Cunha. Alongside José Vicente Morata, President of the Valencia Chamber of Commerce, Nacho Mas, CEO of Startup Valencia, representatives of startups attending Web Summit Lisbon 2025, and Invest in Valencia.</p>
Catalá highlighted the excellent moment the city is experiencing to attract investment. In the last two years, 53 international companies have chosen Valencia, generating €310 million in investment and more than 2,600 qualified jobs.
The collaboration with Lisbon reinforces the vision of a connected, innovative, and globally open Valencia. Capable of creating wealth, employment, and wellbeing through investment and international cooperation.
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