Spanish trade official sees CIIE as opportunity to expand exports, deepen China-Spain cooperation

Maria Simo, economic and commercial counsellor at the Economic and Commercial Office of Spain in Shanghai, speaks to People's Daily Online at the Spanish national pavilion during the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE). (Photo by Zhang Rong/People's Daily Online)

As the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) is underway in Shanghai, Maria Simo, Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Economic and Commercial Office of Spain in Shanghai, has highlighted the growing economic ties between China and Spain, while calling for more opportunities to expand Spanish exports to the Chinese market.

"Trade relations between Spain and China, economic relations in general, have been growing in the past few years," Simo said in an interview, noting that frequent high-level exchanges have helped strengthen bilateral ties.

According to China's Ministry of Commerce, bilateral goods trade exceeded 55 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, up nearly 10 percent year on year. China is Spain's largest trading partner outside the European Union (EU), while Spain is China's fifth-largest trading partner within the bloc.

High-level exchanges have continued to reinforce the relationship. Spanish King Felipe VI paid a state visit to China in November 2025, followed by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's fourth visit to China in four years in April 2026. The two countries have continued to expand cooperation in areas including trade, investment, green energy and technological innovation.

Simo pointed to growing Chinese investment in Spain as another sign of deepening economic ties, describing Spain as an attractive destination within the EU for Chinese companies. She noted that cooperation between the two sides in the industrial sector has become increasingly close.

Such cooperation reflects a broader shift in China-Spain economic relations, with both countries exploring opportunities beyond traditional trade. During an innovation-focused business exchange this April, the two sides discussed stronger cooperation in technological research, investment, new energy vehicles, intelligent manufacturing, and renewable energy.

During Sanchez's visit in April, China's Ministry of Commerce and Spain's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business signed two memorandums of understanding: one on the "Big Market for All: Export to China" initiative, and the other on strengthening economic cooperation and promoting sustainable investment.

Speaking about the opportunities offered by the Chinese market, Simo noted that Spanish consumer goods also hold considerable growth potential in China, beyond the industrial sector. She particularly highlighted the popularity of high-quality food products, such as olive oil and Iberian ham, among Chinese consumers.

As one of the theme countries of the 2026 "Big Market for All: Export to China" initiative, Spain has once again set up a national pavilion at this year's CIIE. Simo explained that Spain adjusts the focus of its displays each year. This year, the pavilion places particular emphasis on culture, sports, tourism and gastronomy, to help Chinese visitors gain a better understanding of Spanish products and lifestyles.

"The CIIE attracts a large number of visitors, and we believe it is an excellent platform for showcasing our products," Simo said. She added that Spain attaches great importance to the opportunities the expo provides for Spanish companies to promote their products and establish business connections, and expressed hope that more high-quality Spanish products will gain access to the Chinese market through the event.

From agricultural and food trade to two-way investment, and from industrial cooperation to cultural and tourism exchanges, the scope of economic and trade cooperation between China and Spain continues to expand. As the two sides further strengthen policy coordination and deepen industrial cooperation, open platforms such as the CIIE are expected to create new opportunities to expand Spanish exports to China and boost bilateral trade.