Kissy Chandiramani: "Ceuta remains a safe bet" for online gaming and technology companies
In the midst of the migration crisis that has tested Ceuta over the past few days, with thousands of irregular border crossings from Morocco and an institutional response requiring the deployment of State Security Forces, the Armed Forces and emergency services, Kissy Chandiramani, Ceuta's Councillor for Finance, Economic Transformation and Digital Transformation, speaks exclusively to INFOPLAY. The councillor assesses what has happened, calls for greater involvement from the State and the European Union in the face of what she considers a phenomenon that clearly exceeds the capacities of the city, and delivers a message of firmness and confidence to the online gaming and technology companies already established in Ceuta, as well as to those considering setting up there, stressing that the city's fiscal and economic proposition remains intact despite the current situation.
Jacqueline Mecinas: How do you assess what has happened in Ceuta these past few days, and how is the city doing right now?
Kissy Chandiramani: First of all, I want to recognize the extraordinary work carried out by the State Security Forces, the Armed Forces, emergency services, the City's own professionals, and all the entities that have worked together to respond to a situation of enormous complexity.
Ceuta has once again shown a great capacity to respond, along with the solidarity and character of the people of Ceuta. Clearly, we are facing very significant migratory pressure that demands greater involvement from the State and the European Union, because Ceuta is not only protecting its own border, but the external border of Spain and of Europe. And the response needs to match that responsibility.
The city is working to maintain institutional and social normality. We continue to work responsibly, calling for proper structural solutions to address a phenomenon that clearly exceeds the capacities of a city our size.
Jacqueline Mecinas: As Councillor for Finance and Economic Transformation, what role does this situation play in Ceuta's standing as an investment destination?
Kissy Chandiramani: Ceuta's economic activity continues, and will continue, to develop. Our commitment to economic transformation, digitalization, and investment attraction remains on the same course.
What businesses value most is legal certainty, institutional stability, talent, and a competitive tax framework. Those pillars remain intact.
That is precisely why we continue to insist that the State provide Ceuta with the instruments and resources needed to deal with the realities of being a border city, because guaranteeing the city's stability also means protecting an environment that is favorable to investment and employment.
Jacqueline Mecinas: What message would you like to send to the online gaming and technology companies already established in Ceuta, and to those considering setting up here?
Kissy Chandiramani: The message is very clear: Ceuta remains a safe bet.
Companies that are already established here know firsthand this Government's commitment to economic development and to public-private collaboration. We will continue to support them, facilitate their growth, and strengthen the technology ecosystem we have built over the past few years.
To those considering setting up in Ceuta, I would say they will find a stable city, with a highly competitive tax regime, a well-established technology ecosystem, an accessible administration, and a clear ambition to keep growing as a digital hub for southern Europe.
Our commitment to economic transformation is firm. Short-term circumstances do not change a long-term strategy that is delivering results and that we will keep pursuing with determination.
