BARCELONA, Spain, May 10, 2025 — Luohu, a key district in Shenzhen, a vibrant economic hub in China, hosted an economic and trade event in Barcelona on May 8th.
The meeting facilitated discussions between officials and business leaders from both areas, focusing on technology, sustainable growth, and international investments, with the goal of identifying new opportunities for collaborative ventures.
Attendees recognized the positive trajectory of Sino-Spanish relations and the substantial potential for cooperation, due to their complementary economies and shared dedication to free trade and global economic integration.
Luohu is focused on boosting consumption, expanding its service industries, and deepening its integration with neighboring Hong Kong. The district intends to enhance collaboration with Barcelona, Spain’s leading industrial and commercial center, specifically in the digital economy, smart city initiatives, jewelry trade shows, and cultural tourism.
Luohu officials emphasized the district’s advantages, including its history as Shenzhen’s original and central urban area, its strategic global connections, a world-class business environment, and promising development prospects, all contributing to significant potential for collaboration.
Statistics indicate that trade between Shenzhen and Spain exceeded $28.71 billion the previous year, supported by direct flights established after the two cities became sister cities in 2021.
According to Luohu’s investment promotion officer, “The supercomputing center in Barcelona and Valencia’s innovative sustainable city projects offer valuable lessons. Our partnerships in advanced technology, urban development, and port logistics are flourishing, and significant opportunities exist for further cooperation in the digital economy, high-end manufacturing, and fashion retail.”
Acknowledging Shenzhen’s importance within the world’s second-largest economy, the Spanish representatives welcomed both Luohu’s invitation to Spanish firms and investment from Shenzhen-based companies in Barcelona.
Barcelona officials expressed their interest in attracting investment from Shenzhen, particularly in technology parks, eco-friendly projects, and creative industries, aiming to foster mutual investment and integrate industries in both cities.
The Association of Small and Medium Enterprises of Spain (PIMEC) has suggested creating a formal platform, such as the “Luohu-Barcelona Small and Medium Enterprise Cooperation Platform,” to promote joint investments, technological partnerships, and collaborative R&D among smaller businesses.
They also advocate for open information sharing regarding policies, regulations, taxation, and registration processes, as well as enhanced collaboration between universities, research institutions, and businesses.
The event included the signing of cooperation agreements between Luohu and Barcelona, alongside productive discussions between business leaders and officials, laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration in the future.
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