Spain seeks deeper investment ties ahead of tourism forum

[Photo: Nadia Shaw]

On Monday, the Spanish consul general for Macau and Hong Kong, Jesús Gracia Aldaz, outlined plans to expand business ties in financial technology and life sciences in 2027, ahead of Spain’s prominent role at a tourism forum in Macau this week.

Speaking at Spain’s National Day reception in Hong Kong, Aldaz identified innovation, investment, and regional development as priorities for the relationship.

At the same event, Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan welcomed Spanish interest in the Northern Metropolis and offered to help arrange a visit.

The remarks came ahead of the 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF), which will be held in Macau from Oct. 15 to 17. Spain is this year’s partner country and will share its experience in destination management, balanced regional development, and sustainable tourism, according to the Macau government.

Aldaz is also expected to attend the Macao International Trade & Investment Fair (MIF) later this month, according to information provided ahead of the events.

Beyond foodand beverage

At Monday evening’s reception, the consul general said the consulate has been broadening its work beyond Spain’s established food and beverage presence in Hong Kong and Macau. He highlighted audiovisual arts, the green economy, and financial services as areas where ties are developing.

“Looking ahead to 2027, we want to go further; we want to expand to innovation sectors like fintech and life sciences.”

Describing Hong Kong as an important bridge between Chinese and international enterprises, Aldaz said the city’s role remained significant amid global uncertainty. He added that Spanish companies recognized the city’s financial and trading functions and were establishing a presence there.

“Spain’s National Day is a celebration of a country open to the world. Looking back at the past year […] In October 2025, Their Majesties the Queen and King of Spain paid a state visit to China. This historic visit is a clear testament to Spain’s deep commitment to a strong, enduring relationship with China. In this dynamic relationship, Hong Kong has always been a vital bridge between East and West,” Aldaz noted.

He also outlined a two-way approach encouraging Spanish companies to explore opportunities in Hong Kong while seeking greater investment in Spain from the city’s business community.

“Today, Spain is the fastest-growing European economy, and our doors are wide open to our Asian partners.” Aldaz added, “At the same time, we want Hong Kong investors to look at Spain.”

[Photo: Nadia Shaw]

During Monday’s reception, Chan outlined areas for further engagement, with the Northern Metropolis emerging as a shared point of interest. Aldaz said Spain wanted to connect its companies with major projects, including the development. Hong Kong’s financial secretary also offered to facilitate the consul general’s visit and, depending on the date, to accompany him personally.

“We believe the Northern Metropolis is an integrated development of technology, education and talent, with great short-term as well as long-term prospects for Spanish businesses, investors and talent,” Chan stated. He added that the government would continue to support free trade and the rules-based multilateral trading system while providing trading partners with a transparent, predictable business environment.

On business outreach initiatives undertaken with Spain and their results, Chan listed seminars organized with local chambers of commerce and a networking event focused on opportunities in Hong Kong’s developing yachting economy.

“In May, InvestHK sponsored a super-yacht networking event at the International Boat Show in Palma (de Mallorca). That event helped put the research spotlight on Hong Kong’s emerging yachting economy and on our potential partnership with yacht lovers in Spain in this fast-developing area,” Chan recalled during his speech.

InvestHK sponsored Estela’s Captains’ Dinner 2026 during the Palma International Boat Show week on May 1, 2026, held at Son Amar in Mallorca, Spain.

Macau will provide aplatform for tourism and trade discussions

Organized by Macau’s Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute, the 31st MIF will take place from Oct. 21 to 24 at Cotai Expo at The Venetian Macao. A new Spanish-speaking countries industry pavilion will bring together exhibitors from 11 countries.

The pavilion is intended to strengthen Macau’s role as a business platform linking China with Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets. It will operate alongside specialized exhibition areas and concurrent events covering products, services and franchising.

Cultural exchangesremain part of therelationship

Both speakers emphasized cultural links at Monday’s reception. Aldaz highlighted, “We have also been busy expanding our reach across the city. Beyond our traditional food and beverage sector, where we just ramped up our annual Eat Spain, Drink Spain (ESDS) campaign, we have made great strides in new areas.” The ESDS campaign took place in Hong Kong this year, with over 40 venues across the city.

Chan similarly said those Spanish activities in the city extended beyond business to tourism, arts, food, and wine.

“While culture and the long-running Spanish film festival in Hong Kong is going on this Wednesday, at the same time, Hong Kong films are being screened at the same moving images festival in Madrid, which continues through Sunday,” Chan mentioned.

“Looking ahead, we are certain that the connections and partnership between Spain and Hong Kong will continue to grow at a very healthy pace […] This growth will span all areas of importance to the peoples of the two economies, including not just business and trade, but also tourism, arts and culture, as well as food and wine. The future is great for Spain and for Hong Kong,” Chan concluded. Nadia Shaw, Hong Kong