Rustam Minnikhanov visits Mercabarna Agro-industrial park in Barcelona

On July 19 Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov visited logistics and industrial zone “Frank Zone” during his working trip to Barcelona (July 18-19).

Frank zone is located in Sants-Montjuïc region. This logistics zone is known for its location between Barcelona port and airport. Agro-industrial park Mercabarna was also presented to Rustam Minnikhanov.

Mercabarna manages catering facilities at Barcelona domestic market and companies engaged in production, sales, distribution, import and export of fresh-frozen products. The market occupies the territory of 90 hectares and has offices of more than 20 companies located there. The market provides fresh products for Barcelona, Catalonia province, neighboring regions and other European countries.

Director General of Mercabarna Josep Tejedo Fernandez told about activity of Agro-industrial park. He told in particular that among most important factors were location of the industrial park, logistics, use of state-of-the-art technologies in processing and storage of agricultural produce, and observance of sanitary regulations. 25000 employees work every day at Mercabarna. Josep Tejedo Fernandez continued that all earnings are usually directed to update infrastructure, development and use of technologies.

Rustam Minnikhanov said that the experience of Mercabarna Agro-industrial park would be useful for Tatarstan. He added that the republic requires new technologies and standards, well-organised quality management system, phyto- and veterinary control.

It is expected that Russia’s first agricultural complex similar to Mercabarna will be created in New Tura Technopolis. The project will be funded by private investors.

ZAL logistics centre in Barcelona port, one of the best transport hubs in Europe, was also presented to Rustam Minnikhanov.