Trade | 12/30/2021

The Ministry of Trade approves 110 projects worth €103.12 million to boost competitiveness in the business sector

These grants will be distributed among all autonomous regions and managed by local governments These lines of aid are part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, and are projected to receive a total of 415 million euros in funding over the next three years to support trade

Trade | 12/23/2021

El Gobierno aprueba cuatro nuevas operaciones del Fondo de Recapitalización de empresas afectadas por la Covid 19 por un importe de 54 millones

Hasta el momento el Fondo gestionado por COFIDES ha financiado un total de 66,1 millones de euros Se han aprobado ayudas públicas a las empresas Cesgarden, Eating Group, Egile y Grupo Universo Pachá que dan empleo directo a más de 1.800 trabajadores

Trade | 12/22/2021

Aumenta el importe de la Línea ECOFIEM a 150M€ para financiar proyectos contra el cambio climático

Se amplía el alcance geográfico de la línea de ayudas y se flexibiliza el mecanismo de aprobación de las operaciones

Trade | 12/21/2021

The Government appreciates that Us accept the report of the Wto on tariffs spanish black olives and is awaiting a rapid solution to the conflict

The final report of the world trade organization (WTO) concludes that the tariffs applied by United States imports of black olives of Spain are contrary to the rules of this agency The us administration has accepted the final report of the wto, key starting point for confidence in a speedy resolution of this conflict Waiting for progress towards a final resolution, the government will continue to work in collaboration with the board of andalusia and the sector to provide the information requested by the american administration.

Trade | 12/21/2021

The ministry of industry, commerce and tourism and the spanish confederation of Trade (CEC) approached the Big Data retail trade

Through a platform for transformation of the digital market environments destined for the small trade

Trade | 12/21/2021

Form D-6 submission no longer required for most investors

From now on, only investors who hold more than 10% of the capital or voting rights of listed foreign companies will be required to make the declaration

Trade | 12/17/2021

Spanish exports mark a new historic high with a 21 percent increase until October

In october exports continue to grow by 13.6 percent interannually to €28,720 million, a historical high for this month

Trade | 12/14/2021

Spain and the Czech Republic boost ties on matters related to aerospace in business meet

Xiana Méndez emphasizes the know-how, competitive nature, and technological development of the Spanish aerospace industry

Trade | 12/9/2021

The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism hands out awards for the renewal and modernization of trade

Awardees include the city councils of Barcelona and Herrera del Duque (Badajoz), the Barcelona-based company Santa Eulalia, S.A., and the Federation of Traders and Industrialists of Morrazo (FECIMO ), in Pontevedra

Trade | 12/9/2021

WTO and EU member states to reach an agreement to reduce red tape in the global trade in services

These measures will entail significant cost savings for businesses by facilitating regulatory procedures and technical standards of trade in services

Trade | 12/3/2021

Trade launches a new campaign to support commercial activity in municipal markets during Christmas

With the slogan The Essence of the Market, it acknowledges the work of more than 1,000 municipal markets in Spanish cities and towns

Trade | 12/1/2021

Spain and Egypt strengthen trade and investment ties

The Secretary of State for Trade will join the Spanish President's retinue on the latter's official visit to Egypt

Trade | 11/30/2021

The Trade Secretariat teams up with the campaign to protect retailers and customers during Christmas

The Secretariat of State for Trade will collaborate in the ‘Safe Commerce’ programme launched by the Spanish Police. It provides guidelines for retailers with safety tips on how to respond to incidents, as well as advice for shoppers.

Trade | 11/25/2021

Spain and Sweden hold a business summit to secure their trade ties and investment agreements

This meeting has benefitted from the presence of more than 80 companies from the two countries Xiana Méndez highlights the role of the Swedish and Spanish economies as two clear examples of open economies where the external sector is an important engine of economic growth

Trade | 11/23/2021

More than 1.6 million euros in subsidies for Unique Projects that promote the modernization and sustainability of local businesses

The selected projects will generate an induced investment of nearly 2.5 million EUR This program will benefit around 3,000 businesses in 10 autonomous regions

Trade | 11/22/2021

Spanish exports increase by 22% up to September, exceeding pre-pandemic levels

Exports in September increased by 21.9%, reaching a historical monthly high of €28.337 billion. Exports between January and September grew at a rate of 6.7% when compared to the same period in 2019, considering pre-pandemic values.

Trade | 11/12/2021

Spanish economy's price competitiveness improves compared to OECD in the third quarter

In the third quarter of the year, Spanish competitiveness improved compared to the OECD

Trade | 11/2/2021

The Secretary of State for Trade considers Latin America to be a key region for the internationalisation of Spanish companies

Visit to Peru and Brazil to strengthen economic and trade ties

Trade | 10/26/2021

Trade allocates €500,000 to promote opening up to external markets

• Two lines of aid are called; one for exporters and another for geographical indications
• Deadline for applications open until 19 November.

Trade | 10/19/2021

Spanish exports grow by 22.1% up to August, reaching a new record

Imports have also increased by 21.6% year-on-year up to August 2021, reaching 212,497 million euros.

Trade | 10/18/2021

Trade allocates 829,000 euros to strengthen Spanish Chambers of Commerce abroad

The objective is to contribute to the digital transformation and modernisation of the Chambers of Commerce and to strengthen their communication and electronic services to improve the competitiveness of Spanish companies. The deadline for applications is 20 business days from the day after the call for applications is published in the Official Gazette.

Trade | 10/18/2021

ISAE maintains positive forecasts for exporting companies based on the evolution of the order portfolio

The Synthetic Indicator of Export Activity (ISAE) stands at 9.1 points in the third quarter of 2021.

Trade | 10/4/2021

Trade rewards innovation and digital transformation of the sector

The Secretary of State for Trade stresses digitalisation as a tool for increasing productivity, specialisation and resilience of small businesses

Trade | 9/29/2021

Secretary of State for Trade is committed to Spain's potential in biotechnology

Xiana Méndez inaugurates the 10th edition of BIOSPAIN to support the Spanish biotechnology sector Meetings were held with authorities, companies and business owners from Navarre to present new opportunities for the commercial sector offered by European funds

Trade | 9/20/2021

Spanish exports grow 21.7% up to July, a record high for this period

The trade deficit in the first seven months of 2021 was 11.2% lower than the same period in 2020. Reyes Maroto, Data from the last seven months underscore the great capacity for recobery of Spain foreign trade, especially in the case of exports of goods, which now exceed pre-pandemic levels.

Trade | 9/17/2021

Business event between Spain and Colombia to strengthen bilateral trade relations

Organised by the State Secretariat for Trade, through ICEX Spain Export and Investment, the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and CEOE, as part of the state visit of Iván Duque, President of Colombia Minister Reyes Maroto stressed that Spanish companies aim to remain in this market, boosting its economic development and employment

Trade | 9/13/2021

The Government announces three lines of grants to modernise the commercial sector for 104 million euros

• According to Minister Maroto, these grants will promote a more resilient, competitive, sustainable and digital commercial sector.
• The new lines are included in the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.

Trade | 9/10/2021

The Secretary of State for Trade presents the guidelines of aid within the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan at the Board of General Directors for Trade

• Trade is launching three types of aid to boost the competitiveness of the commercial sector.
• A line of action for will be placed for rural trade in order to aid in settling people in rural areas and strengthening its economic and social development.

Trade | 9/7/2021

The Government approves a new line of €50 M to promote the internationalisation of Spanish companies

• Part of the Recovery Plan, the line finances feasibility studies, technical assistance and consultancy to improve exports with high added value
• Priority will be given to studies conducted in African and Asian countries

Trade | 8/19/2021

Spain's foreign trade recovery takes hold: exports grow by 23.3% in the first half of 2021

• The trade deficit in the first half of the year was 28.7% lower than in the same period in 2020
• Exports in June 2021 increased by 22% year-on-year to €27.61 billion, an all-time high for a June

Trade | 8/12/2021

2021 National Domestic Trade Awards

Trade | 8/12/2021

Price competitiveness of the Spanish economy improves compared with EU-27 in 2Q 2021

Drops in this index show increased competitiveness, with a 0.3% reduction compared with EU-27 in the second quarter of 2021

Trade | 7/28/2021

Trade will allocate 104 million euros this year to promote business sector competitiveness

• Aid is distributed in three line:s markets in urban business areas, markets in rural areas and business sector in tourist areas. These lines are part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan with a planned total allocation of 415 million euros over the next three years to support business

• These lines are part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan with a planned total allocation of 415 million euros over the next three years to support business.

Trade | 7/21/2021

Spain and the United States agree to work together to push forward the Transatlantic Agenda that will be key to post-pandemic economic and social recovery

• The Secretary of State for Trade, Xiana Méndez, accompanies the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism on her visit to Washington D.C. and New York.

Trade | 7/19/2021

Export and order book expectations improve in Q2 2021

• The Synthetic Indicator of Export Activity (ISAE) increases in the second quarter of 2021, standing at 16.3 points..

Trade | 7/16/2021

Exports increased by 23.5% until May

• Exports in May grew by 55.3% year on year up to €27.2 billion, a maximum high for the month of May.

• Trade surplus in May was 12.6% higher than in the same month in 2020.

• Spain shows greater growth in exports in relation to its main partners.

Trade | 7/7/2021

The Government creates the Advisory Board for the Strategic and Commercial Promotion of the Canary Islands

The central and local governments have held the first meeting of the Board to promote the role of the Canary Islands as a logistics hub for exports and attracting investment.

Trade | 6/25/2021

The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism awards the 2020 National Domestic Commerce Prize

The winners of this edition were the Municipality of Don Benito, the Zona Triana de las Palmas de Gran Canaria Association and the Tamayo stationary shop in San Sebastián.

Trade | 6/21/2021

Xiana Méndez Latin America is a priority in Spain's trade and investment agenda

The Secretary of State has visited both countries to strengthen commercial ties and support Spanish companies there

Trade | 6/17/2021

Exports increased 16.9% in April and surpass pre-pandemic levels

Exports in April increase 71.8% YoY to 25.841 billion, a historic high for April The trade deficit reduced 50.3% YoY to April. By sector, the increases in exports of chemicals and food are of note.

Trade | 6/16/2021

The Government approves the Recapitalisation Fund with €1 billion for companies affected by COVID-19

The Recapitalisation Fund is one of the measures undertaken by the government to reinforce business solvency. Operations financed by the fund will receive €4-25 million per beneficiary, €3-15 million for SMEs.

Trade | 6/15/2021

The Government welcomes the five-year suspension of tariffs between the US and EU

Reyes Maroto welcomes the agreement reached between the European Commission and the US Administration that allows us to suspend the mutual application of tariffs for a period of five years and the creation of a joint working group that will allow for closer relations between the EU and US in the large civil aircraft sector, moving from confrontation to a collaborative approach. Luis Planas is happy with the return to the path of multilateralism in international trade and, above all, bringing an end to tariffs that unfairly taxed the Spanish agrifood sector, particularly olive oil, wine, cheese and citrus fruits, among others. This decision can restore exports to the US of Spanish products affected, especially agrifood products.

Trade | 6/15/2021

Companies learn about the main financial instruments for internationalisation

The Zaragoza Chamber of Commerce has hosted the first informative seminar organised by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, the State Secretariat for Trade and the CEOE.

Trade | 6/15/2021

The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism calls the 4th Technology Ideas for Retail Business Competition

The competition promotes the creation of technological solutions to revitalise and modernise retail businesses.

Trade | 6/9/2021

Secretary of State for Trade visits Romania to booset bilateral cooperation between the two countries

To expand trade links and to support the projects of Spanish companies in the country.

Trade | 6/3/2021

Spain welcomes the lifting of US tariffs placed on products due to the Spanish digital tax

Negotiations between the government and the Biden administration see nine products removed from the list published by the US

Trade | 6/2/2021

The Secretary of State for Trade visits the Czech Republic to boost trade and investment relations between both countries

She exchanged experiences with authorities and Czech investors, in addition to meetings with Spanish companies operating in the country.

Trade | 5/28/2021

‘Think Again, Think Spain’ international campaign

‘Think Again, Think Spain’ aims to reinforce the economic and business dimension of Spain's image by communicating the success stories and good practices of leading Spanish brands.

Trade | 5/26/2021

The President of the Government presents the Action Plan for the Internationalisation of the Spanish Economy 2021-2022

The objective of the Plan is to boost Spain's foreign sector.

Trade | 5/20/2021

Spain urges the Commission to ratify the Free Trade Agreement with Mercosur

The meeting addressed the review of EU trade policy, relations with the United States and the WTO reform.

Trade | 5/18/2021

Xiana Méndez stresses that the business sector will be one of the main beneficiaries of European aid

Meeting with the authorities, employers and traders of Asturias to analyse the current scenario and new opportunities offered by European funds

Trade | 5/12/2021

The Government approves the Action Plan for the Internationalisation of the Spanish Economy 2021-22

According to Minister Maroto, the Plan will foster the internationalisation of the Spanish economy and place the foreign sector at the centre of economic recovery.

Trade | 5/12/2021

Spanish economy price competitiveness improves compared to EU-27 in Q1 2021

Spanish competitiveness improved during the first quarter compared to EU-27 according to the Competitiveness Trend Index (CTI), calculated with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Trade | 5/5/2021

Trade launches Unique Projects grant programme for the modernisation and sustainability of local commerce

The Unique Projects programme has helped modernise over 16,360 businesses since it was launched in 2013

Trade | 4/28/2021

Xiana Méndez discusses the recovery and economic transformation with the Catalan business fabric and SMEs

She has met with businesspeople in Catalonia to analyze the current state of the industry and seek new opportunities through the European Funds

Trade | 4/22/2021

Xiana Méndez visits Switzerland to enhance trade and investment relations between the two countries

The visit marks the 150th anniversary of the first bilateral free trade agreement between Spain and Switzerland

Trade | 4/19/2021

The Government shows its support for the Spanish footwear sector and emphasises its potential as an export industry

This meeting adds to those previously held between the Government and the footwear sector to show its support and strong commitment to the footwear industry, and defend its interests at international level.

Women and Internationalization | 4/16/2021

Reyes Maroto: "Inclusive trade policies must contribute to improving gender equality"

The conclusions of the report of the Working Group "Women and Internationalization" have been presented to promote greater involvement of women in international activities. They highlight the importance of promoting greater visibility and training, including gender clauses in trade agreements and greater financial support for women.

Trade | 4/16/2021

Export expectations improve in the first quarter of 2021, according to ISAE

It stands at 9.7 points and export expectations improve for three and twelve months

Trade | 4/16/2021

Xiana Méndez advocates promoting digitization, modernization and the sustainability of the commercial sector

She has met with authorities and businesspeople of Cantabria to analyze the current conditions of the sector and look for new opportunities through European Funds

Trade | 4/15/2021

Spanish exports reach $44.04 B up to February 2021

Goods exports in February grew 14.9 per cent compared to January 2021. Trade deficit fell 49.3 per cent up to February.

Trade | 4/15/2021

Secretariat of State for Trade and Spanish Chamber of Commerce to support the digital transformation of over 35,600 businesses

The Support Programme for Retail Trade Competitiveness has helped modernize 200,000 businesses since its launch in 2013

Trade | 4/5/2021

The Internationalisation Fund approves loans for more than 400 with a new record number of operations

The FIEM is one of the financial tools that the Spanish administration makes available to exporters and investors in Spain to support their internationalisation

Trade | 3/25/2021

Secretary of State for Trade visits the Dominican Republic to boost trade relations

Spain is the leading European trading partner in the Dominican Republic

Trade | 3/25/2021

Spain-US Business Meeting to promote economic and trade relations

Organised by ICEX Spain Exports and Investments, in collaboration with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and the CEOE.

Trade | 3/24/2021

Third Meeting on Foreign Trade highlights confidence in Spanish exports despite the pandemic

Presentation of recent trends in foreign trade and trade policies.

Trade | 3/17/2021

Exports reached €20.498 billion in January 2021

Trade updates the DATACOMEX website to analyse foreign trade trends. The trade deficit shrank by 49.6%

Women and Internationalization | 3/16/2021

Trade Ministry promotes an increased role for women in internationalisation of the Spanish economy

Third meeting on “Women and Internationalisation”

Trade | 3/11/2021

Reyes Maroto “The entry into force today of the lifting of duties imposed by the US is a big step towards reaching a negotiated solution”

The lifting these tariffs will allow exports of products to the US, such as olive oil, cheese and wine, to begin to recover lost market share, after two years of sharp decline. The suspension will cover all tariffs, both aircraft-related and those imposed on the other agri-food products.

Trade | 3/5/2021

The Government celebrates the temporary suspension of tariffs between the US and the EU

The Minister of Trade and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food call for the new US Administration to reach a negotiated solution as soon as possible to definitively eliminate measures that have disproportionately and unfairly penalised the Spanish agri-food sector. The suspension will mean that the export of some Spanish products to the US can start to recover.

Trade | 3/3/2021

Spain among the top ten countries receiving sovereign funds, according to IE University and ICEX-Invest in Spain report

There are 95 sovereign wealth funds managing more than $9 trillion for the first time, 8% growth compared with last year. At least 67 countries have a sovereign wealth fund, 2 more than in the report of 2019. Thereport analyses 165 operations to the value of $43 billion. The sectors in which sovereign wealth funds were more active are technology, (25 per cent of operations), services (18 per cent), and life sciences (17.6 per cent). USA, UAE, China, India and Mexico were the destinations that received most of the sovereign investment in 2020. Spain maintains its capacity to attract investment, improving its sovereign position. It is in the top 10 recipient countries, with 12 operations in the period between September 2019 and January 2020 involving nine different sovereign wealth funds, with a value of close to €1.3 billion.

Trade | 3/2/2021

Spain asks the Commission to expedite the relaunch of transatlantic relations with a constructive agenda and converging interests

Xiana Méndez also calls for the Commission to ratify pending bilateral agreements such as Mercosur

Trade | 3/2/2021

New call for the Spanish Internal Trade Awards

The deadline for submitting applications is open until April 30, including

Trade | 3/1/2021

New class of Commerce Technicians, State Economists and Commerce Graduates

The Secretary of State for Trade has announced the opening of a training programme to recruit 36 new civil servants

Trade | 2/25/2021

Foreign companies in Spain foresee a "clear improvement" for their activity in 2021

Investors value mainly infrastructure, market size, quality of life and human capital in Spain. This edition includes a specific chapter to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trade | 2/23/2021

The Secretary of State for Trade visits United Arab Emirates to support Spanish companies

This trip is part of the programme of institutional visits to promote the internationalization of Spanish companies and attract foreign investment in Spain

Trade | 2/19/2021

Exports are still on the road to recovery, and grew in december 2020

Exports of goods from Spain grew at at 0.9 per cent in December 2020 compared to the same month in the previous year, the first increase since March. Exports of goods from Spain in 2020 was 90 per cent of the value exported in 2019. The trade deficit was reduced by 58 per cent by 2020.

Trade | 2/18/2021

Commerce launches ‘Brexit Channel’ to analyze trade with the United Kingdom

Communication forum between the Government and companies to reinforce the monitoring of commercial exchanges and solve possible frictions

Trade | 2/12/2021

Spanish economy competitiveness-price improves compared to EU-27 during Q4 2020

According to Secretary of State for Trade Xiana Méndez, this index shows that "in 2020 we have gained in competitiveness-price compared to the rest of the European Union, our primary market".

Trade | 2/10/2021

The enrolment of over one million international students in Spain generates 3.795 billion euros per year

Spain has continued to be international students' preferred destination for the last three decades, a trend which continued in 2018-2019. For every euro they spend on their academic programmes, international students in Spain spend an additional 1.27 euro on cafés and restaurants, food, clothing, travel and transport. International students enrolled in master's and bachelor's degrees account for 65% of the economic impact of Spanish exportation of educational services.

Trade | 2/4/2021

The winners of “ come to your local market ” reflected the friendliness, professionalism and energy of the municipal markets

Under the slogan “ By your side, as always. At your side, now more than ever ”, the campaign recognizes the effort made by traders to adapt to new needs created by COVID-19.

Trade | 2/3/2021

Expansion of nominations for arbitrators and sustainable development experts in EU bilateral agreements

Extended until 15 February 2021

Trade | 2/1/2021

CESCE stepped up its activity in 2020

The company launched five measures to support internationalized large companies and SMEs on behalf of the State to relieve the negative effects of the pandemic on the Spanish economy. The line with the highest volume, the extraordinary CESCE COVID19 Line, has already supported more than 800 internationalized companies and accounts for a third of the 3,081 million Euro of insurance issued on behalf of the State in 2020.

Trade | 1/28/2021

Maroto urges the European Commission to ask Biden to suspend the Helms-Burton Act and tariffs on Spanish products

One of the priorities of the Spanish Government is to work on suspending the Helms-Burton Act, which is seriously affecting our tourist industry. Maroto focuses on four priorities of the new trade relationship between the EU and the US: resolving trade disputes; improving cooperation; fostering the reform of the multilateral trade system; and coordinating responses to avoid trade distortion.

Brexit Trade | 1/26/2021

Commerce launches an informative campaign on the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom

New round of training sessions for Spanish companies, in addition to the more than 100 already held, to address the implications and procedures that will govern new business relationships. The ‘Brexit Channel’, a collaborative forum between the Government and companies, will be created to analyze the evolution of trade with the United Kingdom in the first months of entering into the Agreement.

Trade | 1/25/2021

Export activity consolidates its recovery in the fourth quarter of 2020

The Synthetic Export Activity Indicator (ISAE, in Spanish) improves considerably and stands at 12 points. All indicators rise, from the order book and export expectations in the coming months, to employment in export tasks.

Trade | 1/21/2021

Exports stand at €238,414m from January to November 2020

Deficit fell by 58.7% until November

Trade | 1/21/2021

Commerce addresses the promotion of the foreign commercial sector with the regional governments

The ‘2021-2022 Action Plan to Support Internationalization’ aims to strengthen foreign trade to be an engine for the recovery of the economy, make it more resilient and promote digitization and sustainability

Trade | 1/19/2021

The Information Working Group of the Trade Observatory 4.0 analyzes industry data and trends

A report with statistics and indicators has been presented to analyze the evolution of the industry and to help adopt joint measures to reactivate it

Trade | 1/14/2021

Xiana Méndez highlights Spain as an investment destination and bets on the foreign sector for economic recovery

The State Secretary for Trade presents the new portal ‘Invest in Spain’ to promote foreign direct investment in Spain

Trade | 12/28/2020

The regulation on conflict-area minerals comes into force

It ensures that products which are purchased have been responsibly extracted and do not help to finance conflicts or other illegal practices

Trade | 12/23/2020

Selection process to fill arbitrator and sustainable development expert vacancies under the framework of EU trade agreements

Deadline for submitting candidatures ends on 1 February 2021

Brexit Trade | 12/22/2020

Trade launches a catalogue of guides to prepare Spanish companies for Brexit

These documents include useful information on customs importing procedures, border controls and the new conditions of access to the British market from 1 January 2021.

Trade | 12/18/2020

Export recovery continues, reaching €213.68 billion from January to October

The deficit was reduced by 58.0% through October.  The food sector continues its positive trend and the automotive sector has strongly recovered in recent months.

Trade | 12/16/2020

Trade meets with the sector to build its recovery and transformation together

The proposed plan to boost the commercial sector for 2021-2023 will be backed by 317 million euros of European funds

Trade | 12/1/2020

Trade Ministry encourages buying at local markets this Christmas

The slogan “By your side, as always. By your side, more than ever”, recognizes the effort made by businesses to adapt to the new needs that have arisen due to Covid-19

Trade | 11/27/2020

Méndez Xiana: “India opens up new opportunities for Spanish companies”

For Spain, Indian is the fourth largest market in Asia

Trade | 11/25/2020

Spain promotes the signing of a trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur

With a letter sent by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism and eight other European Ministers to Executive Vice President of the European Commission, Valdis Dombrovskis.

Trade | 11/19/2020

Exports recover ground in September and are at levels similar to a year ago

Exports grow 31.6% compared to August and reach a level similar to September 2019. This trend allows us to continue with intense trade deficit reduction.

Trade | 11/18/2020

Trade rewards retail business digital transformation

The State of Secretary for Trade highlights the exemplary response of the sector during the pandemic and the acceleration of the digitalisation process. This competition is one of the actions implemented by the State Secretariat for Trade to modernise small retail businesses, with FEMP and Correos as collaborating entities