John Pierre

An economic challenge for Perpignan

European economy is in turmoil, with dept rising throughout the continent and a trade deficit reaching record levels this year. The situation has some economists worried that the euro is close to a collapse. Despite this situation, the small city of Perpignan keeps its head above water. Being situated on the mediteranean shore and next to the French/Spanish border, Perpignan hosts the biggest fruit and vegetable market in europe:

The Saint Charles Market includes over 550 dealers who pitch up on, in excess of 20,000 acres and employs over 9,000 people with a 3.6 billion euro income. The flows are directed towards Catalan Spain and the North France's combined transport trains and trucks to rail motorway Perpignan-Luxembourg. This is a world food trading place where agro-industrial and farm products traders look upon to evaluate pricing trends.

The second biggest income source for Perpignan is tourism. The numbers of visitors to the city of Perpignan has increased by 150% within the past 10 years and investors have injected extremely large amount of cash on
the development of appropriate infrastructure in teh Catalan region. The world class theater next to the Perpignan railway station is one of the many large scale projects started recently. The international high-speed rail line between Barcelena and Perpignan, funded by France, Spain and European fund was awarded to the TP Ferro consortium, a joint venture of Eiffage and Dragados. This project has already poured hundreds of millions of dollars into the Perpignan economy and attracted workers and family in the region. Only 90 minutes by train after completion of the railroad, the city of Perpignan expects to received hundreds of daily visitors from Barcelona, Girona and Figueres and other Catalan cities.

At last, Perpignan is home to some of the best French wine makers. The Catalan region produces 2.5 millions litres of Roussillon AOC, sold throughout the world and locally in bottle shops and restaurants. The vinification has improved consistently over the decades in Perpignan and the city can now rival with some of the best French Bordeaux and Bourgones.

Perpignan is regarded today as one of the fatest growing French city on an economic level as well as its attractiveness for tourism and lifestyle. Catalan artist Salvodor Dali used to refer to the city of Perpignan as "the center of the word". Seems like he was not totally wrong.

Click here!