Spanish companies strengthen their business opportunities in the Chinese market

The Diplomat More than 150 Spanish companies interested in expanding internationally attended the Spain-China Trade and Investment Forum this Thursday to showcase their products and services to a delegation of 90 Chinese buyers, with the goal of opening up new business opportunities in the world's second-largest economy. The forum was held in the ICEX Madrid auditorium on the occasion of the visit to Spain by Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Ling Ji, and was attended by the State Secretary for Commerce, Amparo López Senovilla. The business meeting was organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Enterprise through ICEX Spain Export and Investment, an agency under the Secretary of State for Commerce, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the China Chamber of Commerce of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME). “This forum allows us to boost bilateral cooperation and explore new collaboration opportunities in strategic sectors, facilitating the internationalization of Spanish companies in a priority market like China and, at the same time, contributing to consolidating Spain's position as an attractive investment destination,” ICEX stated in a press release. Among the 90 Chinese buyers gathered at the meeting were large industrial groups, technology companies, e-commerce platforms, and financial institutions. The opportunities analyzed at the forum focused on sectors with high growth potential, such as food, automotive, cosmetics, renewable energy, financial services, and insurance. During the forum, collaboration agreements were signed between companies and associations from both countries, including Litera Meat, Costa Brava Mediterranean Foods, Matadero Frigorífico Avinyó, Elpozo Alimentación, RIVASAM Intercontinental, Grupo Amper, and INTERPORC. According to ICEX, China continues to be a strategic partner for the Spanish economy, and the latest data confirms an upturn in trade relations. In the agri-food sector, Spanish exports are showing signs of recovery, with an 8% year-on-year increase between January and July 2025, and the number of regular exporters has increased by 15% in the last five years. In cosmetics, China remains among the top ten export destinations, with a record €172 million in 2024 and an additional 12% growth in the first half of 2025. Separately, the Spanish automotive aftermarket offers solutions aligned with Chinese priorities in electrification, automation, and sustainability, with companies already integrated into the local value chain. Regarding investment in Spain, China has established itself as a relevant partner for the Spanish economy, with a foreign direct investment stock of €10.915 billion in 2023—1.8% of the total—and 281 Chinese-owned companies established in our country. The automotive sector is one of the main focuses of this investment, with representation from two major Chinese companies in the sector seeking Spanish industrial partners. Spain, the second-largest vehicle producer in the EU, has promoted important projects by Chinese groups such as CATL, Chery, and BYD, linked to electric mobility and battery manufacturing. These investments reflect China's commitment to strengthening its industrial presence in Europe and consolidate Spain as a key partner in the transition to a sustainable mobility model. During the opening of the event, Amparo López Senovilla highlighted the commitment of Spanish companies to the Chinese market—there are now more than 400 companies established—, the attractiveness of Spain for Chinese investment, which has continued to grow, and the need to advance joint projects in sectors of common interest.

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