ICEX boosts Spanish presence in Asia-Pacific, a region that accounts for 40% of global GDP

ICEX Spain Export and Investments has opened the first in Madrid ICEX Asia and Oceania ForumThe event, which brings together 317 companies and 21 trade advisors, seeks to boost Spanish exports in a strategic region that represents 40% of global GDP, addressing key logistical, tariff and sectoral issues.

A window of opportunity in a changing geopolitical context

In a global economic landscape where geopolitical balances are rapidly shifting, this forum was conceived as a satellite event focused on the markets with the greatest growth potential for Spain. The event highlights a vast territory encompassing... Kazakhstan to Australia, markets where Spanish exports and investments maintain an upward trend, although with a still very high margin for growth.

The inauguration was carried out by the Secretary of State for Commerce, Amparo López Senovillawho has highlighted the need to strengthen business positioning in these areas. "A window of opportunity is opening up for Spanish companies."López Senovilla stated, emphasizing the value of sharing "Experiences and practical knowledge between companies and experts" in a context of great market diversity.

Key figures from the Forum and the Asia-Pacific region

The importance of this meeting is reflected both in the high level of business participation and in the macroeconomic indicators of the target region. The most relevant data from the event and the analyzed economic environment are detailed below:

Indicator	Data and Forecasts
Participation in the Forum	317 Spanish companies and 21 economic advisors from 20 countries.
Regional GDP (2024)	More than 35 trillion dollars (approx. 40% of global GDP).
Population	4.300 billion people (more than 50% of the world's population).
Growth Forecast (until 2028)	Average of 4,5% per year (vs 1,5%-2% in Europe, according to the IMF).

Logistics and sector specialization in two days

The program is structured over two days to address the specific needs of different sectors. The session on Monday, December 16th, is focused on the [sector name missing]. agrifood and consumer goods (including creative industries, cosmetics and sports), focusing on brand positioning, the e-commerce and cultural adaptation to the Asian consumer. Meanwhile, Wednesday, December 17th, will be dedicated to the sectors industrial, technological and energyanalyzing infrastructure, resilient solutions to climate change and China's role in the new global context.

One of the highlights has been the session 'Understanding the Asia-Pacific region from a logistics perspective', moderated by Elisa Carbonell, CEO of ICEX - Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade, Involving Mark Cooper, global commercial director of TIBA (Romeu Group)During the debate, the challenges of operating in the area's logistics networks were discussed, analyzing routes, hubsports and corridors in one of the most complex environments of foreign trade.

B2B meetings and the growth of the middle class

The core operation of the forum lies in the bilateral (B2B) meetings between the attending companies and the advisors of the Economic and Commercial Offices from Spain abroad. These sessions are complemented by cross-cutting workshops on tariff management and business culture in Asia, vital tools for markets where trust is a determining factor.

The region's appeal lies in the expansion of a middle class with greater purchasing power in economies such as India, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines, coupled with the maturity of markets such as Japan o South KoreaThis demographic demands quality and differentiated products, characteristics associated with the Spanish export supply, thus allowing for diversification of risks and reducing commercial dependence on Europe and America.

Key points and frequently asked questions about the ICEX Asia and Oceania Forum

Which sectors have priority in this internationalization forum?
The event divides its attention into two blocks: the first for the agri-food sector and consumer goods (fashion, cosmetics), and the second focused on industry, technology, energy and infrastructure, strategic sectors for the development of the region.

Why is the Asia-Pacific region strategic for Spanish companies?
The region accounts for 40% of global GDP and more than 50% of the world's population. With a projected annual growth rate of 4,5% until 2028 (significantly higher than that of Europe), it presents a critical opportunity to diversify markets in the face of saturation or slowdown in other geographic areas.

What role do the Economic and Commercial Offices play in the event?
The 21 advisors and attachés deployed to the event facilitate direct B2B meetings with the 317 participating companies. Their role is to provide firsthand, on-the-ground knowledge, facilitate connections, and advise on the specific regulatory and cultural characteristics of each market.