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The
UK Trade & Investment offices for the Canary Islands, based
at the British Consulate in Las Palmas, offer the following
services to British manufacturers, exporters and businessmen
interested in visiting the region. For further information, advice
or assistance, enquirers are invited to contact us at the addresses
indicated below.
The
Canary Islands are a group of seven inhabited islands
situated about 100 kms off the African coast south-west of Morocco.
Although they are an integral part of the Spanish kingdom, they have
always been treated as a separate entity for the purpose of trade,
communications, statistics etc. They have their own Autonomous
Government and Regional Parliament. The Canary Islands, as
part of Spain, are equally integrated to the European
Union. However, there are some minor differences mainly
affecting the implementation of EU Customs and Excise regulations.
Specific conditions and a series of measures have been agreed which
allow the Canary Islands to raise their own taxes on imports,
to apply a disguised form of VAT, reduced Corporation Tax for
companies that invest their profits and a series of other matters
that offer a form of compensation for distance and social factors.
British
firms export over £200 million worth of goods to the Canary
Islands each year. The UK is second in a ranking of
European trading partners, below Germany but above France and Italy.
It is equally important to note that the Canary Islands are
currently the UK's 63rd largest market (72nd in 1995). The Canary
Islands market offers opportunities in almost every product
sector. Of the total UK exports to the region, food exports
account for about 20%, alcoholic beverages 20% and light industrial
machinery 20%. The remaining 40% are divided between all other
product sectors with only two exceptions - electricity and waste
paper! British exports currently account for about 19% of the
total market share and our exports to the Canary Islands have
risen annually since 1985 when we exported only a mere £35 million
worth of goods.
The
Canary Islands rely almost exclusively on imports as there is
only limited local manufacturing industry. British exporters
can almost always find opportunities if they approach the market in
the right way. Although there are many large firms involved in the
import and distribution of goods, an important percentage of local
business activities are in the hands of small and medium sized firms
specialising in their particular fields. Correct advice and help
is often the key to success, especially when approaching the
market for the first time. There are also other factors to remember
when considering the Canary Islands as a destination for
exports. In addition to the 1.8 million local inhabitants, the
islands receive over 10 million foreign tourists annually, 4
million of whom are British. The potential
"showcase" to visiting tourists is obvious. Future
development is currently concentrated around the
"offshore" facility for commercial and industrial
activities. It is hoped that this low taxation area, which became
operative in 2001, will attract investment from foreign firms and
industries. Further details and information can be obtained from the
Trade and Investment Section at the Consulate in Las Palmas.
The
support outlined below is to help you and your company to do
business in the Canary Islands. If the contents do not appear
to meet your needs, please do not assume that we cannot help. Let us
know what it is you want. If we can, we will try to tailor
appropriate support to meet your specific needs.
Free
"off the shelf" information includes lists of
interpreters/translators, local legal advisors, business and
administrative advisors, accountants and financial advisors. A
selection of other memoranda and product related sector summaries
are also available and can be obtained upon request.
Tailored
information and In-depth help can be produced to meet your
specific needs. The Commercial staff in Las Palmas will confirm your
requirements with you direct after provision of an initial brief
from you (usually via your Business Link or other intermediary). If
you are visiting the Consulate you can ask the commercial staff to
provide this service.
Reports
can include basic market information, customised local contacts
lists, lists of potential importers/distributors, product/market
assessments, information on local taxation and documentary
requirements and status information (excluding credit checks).
Costs
range from £400 to £1,600 depending on the complexity of your
enquiry and the number of hours for research required for the job.
You will be given a firm quote at the outset.
UK
Trade & Investment services at the British Consulate in Las
Palmas also offer Video Conferencing facilities. Please telephone
the Consulate to make the necessary arrangements.
Free
Consultations with the Commercial Staff are available to those
businessmen visiting the Canary Islands. Whether a report has been
commissioned or not, it is always very useful to include a visit to
the Consulate to discuss further details of your enquiry. Additional
information and advice is supplied free of charge.
Visit
Programmes can also be arranged by UK Trade & Investment at
Las Palmas. Commercial Staff may also be able to accompany you on
the visits and assist you with your initial contacts with potential
local agents. This service is not available for other islands
unless, of course, this coincides with regular visits that are made
to Tenerife or Lanzarote. This support is also subject to certain
eligibility criteria and staff availability.
For
further information, advice or assistance, please contact either Mr
Peter J Nevitt (British Consul - Commercial) or Mrs
Montse Clemente (Commercial Officer) at:
UK
Trade & Investment
British Consulate
Calle Luis Morote, 6-3
35007 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
(P.O.Box 2020, 35080 Las Palmas de G.C.)
Canary Islands - Spain
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