Spain and Canada seal a strategic alliance in AI to boost investment and technological cooperation

 

A high-level Spanish business and institutional delegation, headed by Your majesty the king and the First Vice President of the Government, Carlos Cuerpo, has visited Toronto to strengthen bilateral economic relations with CanadáThe visit culminated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding in artificial intelligence (AI) and the promotion of investment in strategic sectors.

 

The meeting, which brought together more than 175 executives from both countries, was organized by the Ministerio de Economía, Comercio y Empresathrough ICEX, entity attached to the Secretaría de Estado de ComercioThe aim has been to deepen cooperation in key areas such as AI, advanced computing, infrastructure, renewable energy, and the aerospace sector.

 

New Memorandum of Understanding on Artificial Intelligence

 

The central point of the day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Artificial Intelligence between the vice president Carlos Cuerpo and the Canadian Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Evan SolomoThis agreement marks the beginning of a new phase of bilateral cooperation in advanced digital technologies.

 

In his speech, Carlos Cuerpo He highlighted the harmony between the two countries:España y Canadá We share values, challenges, and the conviction that cooperation between like-minded democracies is more necessary than ever to build strong, resilient economies prepared for the future.” This is the Vice President’s third trip to Canadá in less than two years, which underlines the intensity of the bilateral relationship.

 

The signed agreement focuses on several fundamental pillars:

 

• Boost to investment crusade in the technology sector.
• Access to AI and advanced computing infrastructures.
• Promotion of training of specialized talent.
• Collaboration between public administrations and businesses, with special attention to the SMEs.

 

As an immediate result of this collaboration framework, the parallel signing of three agreements between Spanish and Canadian companies in the technology sector was announced.

 

Focus on investment and business partnerships

 

To analyze business opportunities, a round table discussion was held on the creation of technological alliances. Moderated by Amparo López Senovilla, Secretary of State for Trade and President of ICEXIt featured the participation of executives from leading companies such as Grupo Indra, Cohere, Multiverse Computing y Coveo.

 

Subsequently, Invest in Spai He organized a meeting with 15 key players in the Canadian financial and investment ecosystem to present the competitive advantages of the Spanish market. This session, also chaired by Your majesty the king, had the participation of Carlos Cuerpo, Amparo López Senovilla and the CEO of ICEX, Elisa Carbonell.

 

Summary of Strategic Actions in Toronto

Strategic Area	Key Action	Featured Participants
Artificial Intelligence and Technology	Signing of Memorandum of Understanding	Carlos Cuerpo, Evan Solomo, Grupo Indra, Cohere
Investment and Finance	Meeting with 15 Canadian investors	Invest in SpaiHM the King, Elisa Carbonell
Business Links	Lunch with the Business Council de Canadá	Antonio Garamendi (CEOE), José Luis Bonet (Cámara de España)
Gastronomic Projection	High-level event with importers and press	ICEXdistributors, specialized journalists

 

The key role of business organizations

 

The voice of the Spanish business community was represented by the presidents of the CEOE and Cámara de Comercio de EspañaDuring a working lunch with the Business Council de Canadá, Antonio Garamendi, President of CEOEHe highlighted "the common vision shared by our two countries, based on economic openness, commitment to multilateralism and the defense of values ​​such as democracy and the rule of law."

 

For its part, José Luis Bonet, President of the Cámara de EspañaHe stressed that “along with global uncertainty, opportunities are emerging” that both countries can take advantage of, since they share “an ambitious transformative agenda, based on future sectors linked to the technological and digital transition and sustainability.”

 

Gastronomy as a business driver

 

The program was completed with an event showcasing Spanish gastronomy, organized by ICEX for around 50 guests, including importers, distributors, and specialized journalists. The objective was to position Spanish cuisine and food as a strategic national asset, reinforcing the image of España as a benchmark of quality, innovation and excellence in the competitive Canadian market.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about Spain-Canada trade relations

 

What practical benefits does this AI agreement have for Spanish companies?

The memorandum facilitates access for Spanish companies, especially SMEs, to Canada's advanced technology ecosystem. It opens the door to joint R&D projects, collaboration in talent development, and easier access to computing infrastructure, improving their global competitiveness.

 

Why is Canada a strategic market for Spanish investment today?

Canadá It is a stable and open economy, with a secure legal framework and preferential access through the CETA agreement with the Unión EuropeaIts focus on high value-added sectors such as AI, clean energy, and biotechnology makes it an ideal partner for Spanish companies seeking to diversify markets and scale in Norteamérica.

 

How does this visit affect exporters in the Spanish agri-food sector?

Promoting gastronomy at this high institutional level strengthens the brand España and the prestige of its food and beverages. For an exporter, this translates into a better perception of its products by importers, distributors, and end consumers in Canadáwhich can facilitate market entry and the consolidation of its presence.