"The rise of Southeast Asia: an opportunity that Spain cannot afford to miss"

The virtual seminar was held:

The speakers reflected on the geopolitical situation of the region, highlighting its growing economic weight, which makes it an attractive market for Spanish companies.

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On February 24, the Spain Business Association – Asean (ASEMPEA) celebrated, in collaboration with Casa Asia and the Elcano Royal Institute, a virtual seminar on "The rise of Southeast Asia: keys to a better strategic positioning of Spain in the region."

 

The day, moderated on this occasion by one of the partners of Asempea, the Halal Institute, represented by Ms. Bárbara Ruiz – Bejarano, Director of International Relations, had three speakers specialized in Southeast Asia: Mr. Mario Esteban, Doctor and Principal Researcher at the Elcano Royal Institute; Mr. Amadeo Jensana, Director of Economy and Business at Casa Asia; and Mr. Tomás González, President of Asempea.

 

 

The speakers reflected on the geopolitical situation of the region, highlighting its growing economic weight, which makes it an attractive market for Spanish companies. Furthermore, they highlighted that the Southeast Asia is the third trading partner of the European Union, after China and the US, with exports from the EU exceeding 85.000 million euros, and investments of 35.000 million.

 

They also mentioned the two Free Trade Agreements that have recently come into force between the EU and Singapore and Vietnam, showing that they constitute excellent instruments to increase exports and guarantee legal certainty in terms of investments.

 

Lastly, they agreed on the need for Spain bet more and better on this region, which, at the moment, is not the case, with large gaps in our foreign action strategies and internationalization plans, despite the existing opportunities in sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, food, automotive equipment and components, environment, etc.

 

This webinar is one of the first events organized jointly between Casa Asia and Asempea, after the signing of a collaboration agreement between both entities, and to which the Director of Casa Asia referred during the event, Mr. Javier Parrondo, and the President of Asempea, Mr. Tomás González.