The Lehendakari praises the efforts of Basque companies to guarantee the image of “Made In Euskadi” products

• Imanol Pradales calls to protect industry and to take advantage of the opportunities caused by the zeitgeist of European reindustrialisation
• Opening of the 33rd edition of the International Machine Tool Biennial (BIEMH)

Lehendakari Imanol Pradales, accompanied by the Regional Minister for Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability, Mikel Jauregi, this morning attended the official opening of the 33rd edition of the International Machine Tool Biennial (BIEMH), one of the main international meetings in the field of advanced manufacturing.

During his speech, the Lehendakari praised the efforts of Basque companies to guarantee the prestige of the 'Made In Euskadi' product in international markets and emphasized that the Basque Country must establish protection measures while preparing for the future. Likewise, Pradales highlighted the opportunities for Basque companies if they take advantage of this zeitgeist, which seems to favour European reindustrialisation and called for far-reaching measures to protect the market, encourage the reduction of bureaucracy, R&D&I and the renewal of production equipment.

Along these lines, the Lehendakari recalled that the Basque Government has reinforced the 'Renove Smart Industry' programme with the aim of accelerating the technological updating of the country's industrial fabric, focusing on SMEs, facilitating their growth, scaling and integration into strategic value chains, and reinforcing their territorial roots in the Basque Country. This programme focuses on key technologies for Advanced Manufacturing, one of the driving sectors of the Industrial Plan: robotics, artificial intelligence, or digital twins. Pradales also stated that this is the first of a series of calls for proposals that the Basque Executive will soon issue, in addition to others aimed at promoting innovation and productive investment.

Thus, the Basque Government has also launched the second Transforming Project of the Industrial Plan, on robotics applied to advanced manufacturing, with an investment of 50 million euros and 500 new jobs in order to transform and re-shape the industrial and technological fabric of the Basque Country in order to boost economic activity and create quality employment.

The International Machine Tool Biennial (BIEMH), to be held from 2 to 6 March at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre, will open the sector's international trade fair season. The event will bring together 1,503 exhibiting companies from 34 countries and will present more than 3,350 innovative products. With 33 editions and over than six decades of history, it maintains its position as a global benchmark event for the main players in machine tools and advanced manufacturing, who come in search of cutting-edge technology, comprehensive solutions and new opportunities for collaboration and business.

Under the slogan “CARPE BIEMH”, this edition invites companies, visitors and entities to seize this day, reinforcing their capacity to offer a live industrial and technological showcase that consolidates the Basque Country as a European hub for advanced industry and applied knowledge.