MADRID, 17 Abr. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Minister of Economy, Commerce and Business, Carlos Body, has assured, regarding the possible interest of the Emirati group Taqa in Naturgy, that the Government has “the necessary regulatory instruments” to defend the country’s strategic interests and the protection of Spanish companies. .
“I believe that we have a very clear vision in Spain regarding the need to protect our strategic interests and we also have the necessary regulatory instruments,” said the minister in statements to the media in Washington, within the framework of the assemblies. of the IMF and the G20.
Body has thus defended that Spain has regulations that allow a balance between the protection of companies and the country’s strategic interests and the attraction of foreign direct investment.
Within the framework of this regulation, the head of Economy has assured that the Government will analyze the operation on Naturgy when it materializes, as it has done in the case, for example, of Orange and MásMóvil or other operations.
“Sometimes, this protection entails the entry of the State into participation, as is the case, for example, of Telefónica. But, for example, in the case of Orange and MásMóvil, what it entailed is a series of requirements for it to be maintain investments and also maintain employment in Spain,” he recalled.
Asked if the Government would give its approval for the Emirati Taqa to acquire almost 40% of Naturgy, the minister insisted that Spain has the appropriate channels and instruments to analyze this operation when the proposal by the company is made official. Emirati company.
“From there we will begin to see precisely how we are able to maintain those strategic interests of Spain, in this case in Naturgy and in a sector that is also particularly important, going forward, where we have to be able to preserve that investment effort in the coming decades,” he stressed.
