By Juan Jesús Rodríguez Marichal, Economist and President of the Fuerteventura Chamber of Commerce
The discussion surrounding new connections and entry nodes in the Canary Islands has often veered toward health or logistical considerations. However, it is essential to place this debate in its proper context: it is not a matter of questioning the safety of controls or the technical capacity of the territories, but rather a time for reflection on the economic and territorial development model we envision for the archipelago.
The European regulatory framework ensures that health controls applied at any authorized point meet the same standards. Thus, differences in quality between regions based on their location are unjustifiable. From this angle, the focus should shift toward how strategic infrastructures are organized and distributed across the Canary Islands.
Historically, the logistics system of the archipelago has leaned toward concentration in specific nodes, particularly on capital islands like Gran Canaria. This model has afforded benefits such as economies of scale and optimized processes. However, it has also produced noteworthy effects that necessitate evaluation, including reliance on intermediaries, concentration of profit margins at certain points in the chain, and reduced direct market access for non-capital islands.
In this context, Fuerteventura raises a valid point: the need to move toward a more balanced model that enhances the operational autonomy of each island based on its economic and productive realities. This doesn’t mean abandoning the existing framework; it means complementing it by integrating criteria for territorial cohesion and system resilience.
A more decentralized approach would significantly enhance the competitiveness of the primary sector. It would facilitate direct access to inputs and markets, diversify logistical channels to mitigate risks associated with concentration, and ultimately strengthen territorial equity, aligning operational decisions with the principles outlined in public policies.
It is also critical to emphasize that the objective is not to propose exceptions or differentiated treatments. Rather, the aim is to ensure the application of uniform criteria throughout the territory. Consistency in decision-making is a key element for instilling confidence and stability within the economic fabric.
Ultimately, the current debate presents an opportunity to progress toward a more balanced model where logistical efficiency coexists with territorial cohesion and equal opportunities among islands. Fuerteventura, given its unique circumstances and potential, can and should play an active role in this evolution.
The challenge is not technical; it is strategic: defining how we want the structure of the Canary Islands to evolve in the future and the role each island should occupy within that common framework.
