The manager of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in China is optimistic that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's current visit will further strengthen cooperation between the two countries and boost trade.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Sunday, Juan Manuel Reina Moreno, vice president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in China, said Sanchez's visit to China shows the country's commitment to cooperation with China. Moreno also serves as the general manager of CEPSA Chemical in Shanghai, a leading Spanish petrochemical company.
Prime Minister Sanchez arrived in Beijing on Sunday for an official visit that will last through Wednesday, during which Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet him, and separate talks with senior Chinese officials are expected.
The two sides will exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest, and co-host a series of events.
Highlighting that China has become Spain's large trading partner outside the European Union, Moreno said Spanish exports to China have increased significantly in recent years, especially in sectors including food, energy and technology, with more Spanish companies entering the Chinese market.
Sanchez's visit is expected to further expand ties between Spain and China in emerging industries, Moreno noted.
"The visit of Prime Minister Sanchez to China underscores Spain's commitment to stronger cooperation in key areas such as renewable energy, infrastructure and digitalization following a win-win approach. Spain is also focused on attracting investment in clean technologies, especially hydrogen development, where it has significant advantages and a strategic position. Energy has become a vital link between the two economies, especially Spain as the leading European partner for China in this sector," Moreno said.
Spain mainly exports pig meat, copper ore and packaged medicaments to China, while importing electric vehicles, batteries and semiconductors from China.
Moreno stressed that there is room for more cooperation in areas where Spain's exports can satisfy China's needs.
"I see great potential in several sectors. First, renewable energy is a very big opportunity as both countries focus on green technologies. Second, digitalization and smart infrastructure offer potential, while Chinese expertise could complement Spain's current development in AI. The food and agriculture sector also has strong prospects due to the Chinese demand for sustainability, especially high quality products. Lastly, R and D and innovation, particularly in biotechnology and chemicals, present opportunities for joint ventures and breakthroughs," he said.
Spain committed to strengthening cooperation with China: chamber of commerce
Spain committed to strengthening cooperation with China: chamber of commerce
Spain committed to strengthening cooperation with China: chamber of commerce
Zhejiang Province, an economic powerhouse in east China that recorded a GDP of more than 9 trillion yuan (about 1.24 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2024, plans to focus on sci-tech innovation this year to build a distinctive modern industry system.
Following the broader trend among major Chinese provinces of prioritizing sci-tech innovation to drive new quality productive forces and promoting integrated development between science and technology and industrial innovation, Zhejiang aims to expand revenue from its advanced manufacturing clusters to over 9.5 trillion yuan (about 1.309 trillion U.S. dollars) this year.
The province plans to cultivate 20 new "Eagle Enterprises," or industry leaders, predominantly from its private sector, and develop 30 national manufacturing champions in 2025.
Since 2019, Zhejiang has implemented the "Eagle Action" plan, listing its industry giants or leaders in manufacturing and related fields as "Eagle Enterprises." These enterprises are characterized by significant influence, strong cluster support and excellent comprehensive strength. They are also expected to master core technologies, solve major industry technical challenges and play a crucial role in industrial chains. By the end of 2024, Zhejiang had listed 118 companies as "Eagle Enterprises."
"Zhejiang is strongly signaling its commitment to rapidly developing new quality productive forces through innovations," said Yu Jianxing, a professor and member of the Consulting Committee of Zhejiang Provincial Government.
Specifically, Zhejiang will intensify efforts in speeding up the building of a next-generation computing power system, enhancing high-quality data supply, and encouraging AI innovations and applications.
The province has already allocated 3 billion yuan (about 413 million U.S. dollars) of funds to support early-stage, long-term, and tech-focused investments in the AI industry, and accelerate projects creating new application scenarios in the fields of healthcare, scientific data and manufacturing, so as to build itself into an AI development highland.
"Focusing on the four advantageous industries of automobile manufacturing, new fiber materials, life sciences and high-end equipment in Xiaoshan District, we aim to raise the penetration rate of artificial intelligence applications in manufacturing enterprises above the designated size above 30 percent in 2025, with attention paid to every production link of the enterprises," said Xiao Zhongguang, chief of the Emerging Industries Section of the Economy and Information Technology Bureau of Xiaoshan District in Hangzhou, capital city of Zhejiang.
Industrial enterprise above designated size refers to companies with an annual revenue from their main business of 20 million yuan (about 2.8 million U.S. dollars) or more.
"Hangzhou has built a policy ecosystem as dense as a rainforest, aiming to have the lowest computing costs in its AI industry, boast the best model ecosystem, and foster an AI development highland by 2026. In the meantime, Hangzhou hopes AI will drive the development of the real economy and other sectors," said Cai Rong, director of the technological innovation office of the municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology.
Home to six top Chinese startups, commonly known as the Six Little Dragons, including Unitree Robotics and Rokid AR Studio, Zhejiang will also increase enterprises' participation in scientific innovation, with a goal of engaging them in more than 80 percent of major provincial sci-tech projects.
"Though collaboration across demand, supply, and service ends of sci-tech outcomes, we will promote the trading, application and transfer of more sci-tech results in Hangzhou to bridge innovators with end users for smooth technology commercialization," said Yu Jun, deputy director of the municipal Bureau of Science and Technology.
Zhejiang accelerates innovation-driven development to forge modern industrial system
