The Barcelona Chamber of Commerce is intensifying its engagement with local authorities across the Maresme region to boost economic development and improve conditions for businesses. This follows a series of institutional meetings with town councils including Caldes d'Estrac and El Masnou, aimed at reinforcing cooperation between the chamber and the coastal municipalities northeast of Barcelona.
David Antón, president of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce in Maresme, and Ricard Vallespí, its director, have led the outreach. Discussions focused on two priority areas: improving transport connectivity and streamlining business licensing procedures. These issues were identified as key obstacles affecting local enterprises, according to a 15 July 2026 statement from the chamber’s meeting with Caldes d’Estrac town hall.
Mobility and Bureaucracy in Focus
The push for better mobility aligns with broader concerns raised by Josep Santacreu, president of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, who has highlighted long-standing infrastructure deficits affecting economic zones in Maresme and Baix Llobregat. In a recent address, Santacreu cited unresolved issues including freight rail corridors, Rodalies commuter rail services and road network capacity.
Efforts to reduce administrative delays in business licensing are also central to the chamber’s regional strategy. The chamber has been conducting consultations across all Maresme municipalities to identify specific local needs and co-develop targeted initiatives.
Supporting Local Firms
The chamber serves as a public law corporation promoting internationalisation, digital transformation and innovation among Catalan firms.
The Barcelona Chamber of Commerce represents over 400,000 businesses province-wide and operates through 10 regional delegations, including Maresme. It has previously organised training sessions in the region to help companies access industrial innovation grants, underscoring its role in supporting competitiveness through advisory services and funding support.
Grant Thornton has recently joined as an institutional partner, part of the chamber’s effort to build cross-sector alliances and strengthen the regional business network. The Maresme delegation includes 19 municipalities, from Alella to Pineda de Mar, as listed on the chamber’s official territorial network page.
Reported by barna.news, cambrabcn.org, Biosphere, llmpedia.net.
