Chinese market very important for Spanish businesses with strong potential for investment and cooperation, says chamber head
China Spain Photo: VCG
The Chinese market is very important for Spanish businesses, just as it is for others, said Javier Tora, Vice President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in China, who told the Global Times in an exclusive interview that there is strong potential in areas ranging from vehicles to finance.
The remarks were made as King Felipe VI of Spain pays a state visit to China from Monday to Thursday by invitation. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the visit marks King Felipe VI’s first state visit to China after his enthronement and another visit by a Spanish king to China in 18 years. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning described the visit as carrying “great significance.”
“In recent years, Spain and China have achieved a level of closeness almost unmatched in the EU, and this visit further confirms this,” said Tora, expressing his expectation that the trip will further strengthen bilateral relations, with economic and trade issues playing a particularly important role.
Javier Tora, Vice President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in China Photo: Courtesy of Javier Tora
Some leading Spanish companies, such as Gestamp, Roca Group, and Applus+ IDIADA, are active in China. Tora noted the Chinese efforts to reduce certain investment barriers for foreign businesses, including those from Spain, and expressed hope that further progress on market access would continue in the future.
Spain is China’s fifth-largest trading partner within the EU, and China is Spain’s largest trading partner outside the EU, according to the website of China’s Foreign Ministry.
The economic and trade relationship between the two countries is also highly complementary, vibrant, and resilient. Bilateral goods trade has increased from $20 million at the time diplomatic relations were established to more than $50 billion in 2024, a rise of more than 2,500 times, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
“The Chinese market is very important for Spain and for Spanish companies… Some of our main sectors are already investing heavily in China, including vehicles, pharmaceuticals and financial services,” said the chamber head, pointing to industries with high added value and strong potential.
Other areas where he sees greater opportunities for Spanish businesses in China include renewable energy, machine tools and aerospace, according to Tora.
The Spanish business representative also highlighted the China International Import Expo, which concluded in Shanghai on Monday, calling it a major platform in China for international companies and products entering the market. He noted that many Spanish companies and brands took part, particularly from the food, wine and spirits, cosmetics and fashion sectors. Tora added that it was encouraging to see growing interest in Spanish products among Chinese consumers.
