Grain storage is a strategic necessity in emerging and developing countries, where improving cereal preservation capacity is essential for food security and agroindustrial competitiveness. Building or expanding a silo facility, upgrading grain intake systems, or incorporating handling and conditioning equipment requires significant investment. For international projects that include equipment, engineering, or services from Spanish companies, the FIEM — Spain’s Fund for Business Internationalisation — is a public financing instrument that can make the difference between a project that gets built and one that never gets off the ground. At Silos Spain, we are already working with clients across Latin America who are using this route to bring their grain storage projects to life with Spanish technology.
The FIEM: What It Is and How It Finances Silo and Grain Storage Projects
The Fund for Business Internationalisation (FIEM) is a financial instrument managed by Spain’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business through the Secretary of State for Trade. Its purpose is to support the international expansion of Spanish companies by financing projects in third countries that incorporate a significant proportion of Spanish content.
Unlike grant-based instruments, the FIEM is not a subsidy: it operates through concessional loans, either to the foreign buyer or to the Spanish exporter. Its main features typically include:
- Financing of up to 85% of the export contract value.
- Long repayment terms, which can exceed 10 to 15 years depending on the project.
- Fixed interest rates, generally below market levels.
- Applicability to projects in developing countries and emerging economies, though not exclusively.
Each transaction is assessed on a case-by-case basis, so the specific terms depend on the country, the nature of the project, and the profile of the promoter.
Which Projects Can Apply for This Type of Financing?
In general, projects that may be eligible include those involving:
- Design, engineering, and supply of Spanish-made equipment.
- Construction or expansion of grain storage facilities.
- Modernisation of intake, internal handling, or dispatch systems.
- Installation of steel silos, grain handling machinery, and conditioning systems.
The key requirement is that a meaningful share of the project’s value comes from Spanish companies, whether in equipment, engineering services, installation, or technical assistance.
The Role of Technical Definition in Financial Viability
Before exploring any financing route, it is essential to have a solid technical definition of the project: location, storage capacity, type of product, climatic conditions, operational requirements, and intended scope. Without this foundation, it is difficult to estimate costs, identify the right instrument, or prepare the necessary documentation.
At Silos Spain, we work with our clients from this earliest stage. Our team can assist with facility sizing, equipment selection, and the preparation of technical information needed to explore international financing options, including the FIEM and other instruments available depending on the country and project profile.
Considering a Grain Storage Project?
If you are looking to build or expand a grain storage facility outside Spain and want to understand what technical and financial solutions may apply to your case, get in touch with our team. We will support you from the initial definition through to a proposal tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about FIEM Financing for Storage Projects
Can a foreign company apply for FIEM financing directly?
Not exactly. The FIEM is a Spanish instrument, so the transaction is structured through a Spanish company that exports goods or services. In practice, it is the foreign buyer — the company, cooperative, or organisation promoting the project — that receives the loan on favourable terms, but the application and management of the instrument involves the Spanish supplier. This is why it is important to have a committed Spanish partner on board from the outset, such as Silos Spain.
Which countries are eligible for the FIEM?
The FIEM can be applied across a wide range of countries, with a particular focus on emerging and developing economies. Latin America, Africa, and Asia account for a significant share of the operations financed, although eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. The best approach is to explore viability for a specific country from the early stages of the project.
How long does it take to secure FIEM financing for a silo project?
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the project, the destination country, and the documentation available. In general, it is a process that requires advance planning: the FIEM is not an immediate financing solution, but a tool that should be integrated into the project strategy from the beginning. At Silos Spain, we help our clients prepare the technical documentation needed to move the process forward as efficiently as possible.
