Luohu and Barcelona: A Path Towards Mutually Beneficial Cooperation

On May 8, 2025, Luohu, an essential district in Shenzhen, one of China’s most vibrant economic regions, hosted a significant economic and trade promotion meeting in Barcelona. This event brought together officials and business representatives from both regions to foster a profound exchange on technological innovations, sustainable development, and cross-border investments, while exploring new avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation.

Participants at the conference highlighted the robust dynamism of Sino-Spanish relations and the colossal potential for collaboration, grounded in the economic complementarity of both nations and their mutual commitment to free trade and globalization. Luohu positions itself as a promoter of consumption, striving to grow its service sector and integrate its development with neighboring Hong Kong. The district aims to strengthen its collaboration with Barcelona, Spain’s largest industrial and commercial city, in sectors like the digital economy, smart cities, jewelry exhibitions, and cultural tourism.

Luohu officials underscored the district’s advantages, including its status as Shenzhen’s earliest development area and its strategically favorable location that connects it to the world, an internationally top-ranked business environment, and promising development prospects that provide immense potential for both sides’ collaboration. Notably, statistics show that trade volume between Shenzhen and Spain exceeded $28.71 billion last year, with direct flights operating between the two cities since the establishment of their partnership in 2021.

The collaboration was seen as fertile ground, especially with Barcelona’s supercomputing center and the innovative initiatives within Valencia’s sustainable city being highlighted as exemplary models from which to learn. A Luohu investment promotion official stated, “Our collaborations in high-end technology, urban development, and port logistics are thriving. There lies tremendous potential for cooperation in the digital economy, high-end manufacturing, and fashion consumption.”

Recognizing Shenzhen's significance as the second-largest economy globally, the Spanish side not only accepted Luohu's invitation to engage Spanish enterprises but also welcomed investments from Shenzhen companies into Barcelona. Local Barcelona officials encouraged investment from Shenzhen, particularly in technology parks, green projects, and cultural creativity, aiming to foster mutual investments and industrial integration between the cities.

The Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises of Spain (PIMEC) proposed the establishment of an institutionalized platform, such as the creation of a “Luohu-Barcelona SME Cooperation Platform,” to facilitate mutual investments, technological collaboration, and joint research and development among small and medium enterprises. Moreover, they proposed promoting transparent information exchange regarding policies, regulations, taxes, and registration procedures, as well as reinforcing cross-border collaboration among universities, research centers, and enterprises.

During the event, memorandums of cooperation between Luohu and Barcelona were signed, enabling an active exchange between entrepreneurs and officials from both sides. This laid a strong foundation for closer cooperation in the future and marked a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between these two vibrant regions.

Together, Luohu and Barcelona are not only paving the way for transformative economic engagement but are also setting an example for international partnerships that emphasize innovation and sustainability. As mutual interests continue to align, both cities are poised to reap the benefits of this meaningful cooperation in the times to come.