World Travel Guide

City Guide  - Santiago de Compostela  - Business
Business

Business Profile: As a provincial capital in a predominantly rural region of Spain, Santiago de Compostela serves mainly as a marketing centre for its agricultural hinterland, and as a nucleus for government and administration. Traditionally an agricultural and fishing economy, Galicia developed neither a strong industrial base nor a great maritime trading tradition, and its modern economy has moved straight into the service sector, which now employs over 60% of its population. Unemployment in the region is slightly lower than the national average of 20.8%, at 18.4%.

The chief employers in Santiago de Compostela are Financiera Maderera SA and Grupo Finsa (both timber and boarding), Grupo Televes (electronics), Ferrovial SA and Proincasa SA (both construction), CRTVG (Compañía de Radio - Televisión de Galicia) and Televisión de Galicia SA (both broadcasting). The last two reflect the city's importance as the capital of Galicia, Galician media and cultural organisations also have a significant presence. The regional government and administrative apparatus is a significant employer. Finally, the University provides plenty of service and ancillary work for locals by virtue of the fact that it has over 40,000 students.

Business Etiquette: Business hours are generally 0900-1800 with a break for lunch between 1300 and 1400. These hours may vary depending on the size and type of organisation. Punctuality is important. Both men and women should wear a suit for business meetings; men should also wear a tie. Business cards should be exchanged after introduction. All Spaniards have two family names - only the first is used in conversation but any academic or professional titles should be acknowledged. Galego (Galician) may be used in a business setting among local speakers; otherwise Castilian Spanish is used. Many international business people will also speak English or French.



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