On December 16, 2024, the Chinese Ambassador to Spain, Mr. Yao Jing, visited the cities of Mieres and Langreo in Asturias. The visit aimed to promote foreign cooperation, with a particular focus on renewable energy, the digital industry, and tourism, fostering deeper economic and trade exchanges between China and Spain.

Mieres and Langreo are actively seeking industrial investments from China. Ambassador Yao Jing met with the mayors and key political representatives of the two cities to gain firsthand insights into the strategies for economic diversification and industrial transformation being pursued by the local governments.

Positioning themselves as attractive territories for future investments, Mieres and Langreo offer excellent infrastructure, including modern airports, seaports, and high-speed rail networks, along with extensive industrial estates that provide favorable conditions for company establishment and growth.

During the visit, Ambassador Yao also toured the Barredo University Campus, a hub for research focusing on environmental studies, artificial intelligence, energy transition, and industrial heritage. The campus serves as a significant platform for exploring future collaboration in science and technology.

Since assuming office earlier this year, Ambassador Yao Jing has been actively promoting China-Spain bilateral relations. In an article titled “Fifty Years Walking Together, Achieving Even More in the New Era”, published at the beginning of the year, Ambassador Yao highlighted the strong commonalities between the two nations and the steady progress in economic and commercial cooperation.

He noted that China is Spain’s fifth-largest trading partner and its largest outside the European Union. In 2023, bilateral trade exceeded $50 billion for the first time. Spain has participated in the China International Import Expo for six consecutive years, showcasing agricultural and food products such as pork, Iberian ham, and olive oil, which have garnered significant attention. Additionally, Spanish beauty products, textiles, and clothing have gained popularity among Chinese consumers, while Spanish machine tools are experiencing growth in the Chinese market. Ambassador Yao also mentioned the success of the Yiwu-Madrid train, which has operated more than 1,500 times, transporting approximately 120,000 TEUs with a total cargo value of $6 billion. This route has become a symbol of cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, reflecting the growing economic ties between China and Spain, as well as between China and Europe.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Yao emphasized the importance of planning bilateral relations with a strategic perspective, adhering to the principle of mutual benefits, and fostering deeper cooperation in a practical and meaningful way. He expressed his commitment to rooting China-Spain friendship in the hearts of the people and elevating the comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level.

WCHAM leader Mr. Orencio Grela was invited to attend the event and met with the Ambassador and his delegation. He highly praised Ambassador Yao Jing, describing him as a leader full of charisma and vision. He remarked, “Under Ambassador Yao’s leadership, any cooperative project can become a tangible and beautiful blueprint, injecting greater confidence and momentum into the collaboration between China and Spain.”

Official Report: Secretariat of WCHAM