The statement was made during the closing of the business seminar 'Extremadura as a destination for Japanese Investment in Spain', held at the Spanish Embassy in Tokyo.
In front of nearly a hundred professionals from the economic and business fields, as well as institutional representatives and Japanese companies, Guardiola emphasized the growing relationship between Extremadura and Japan"The relationship between Extremadura and Japan is already a reality. We share projects, exchange students, celebrate each other's cultures, and learn together, but I am convinced that this is only the beginning," stated the head of the Extremadura government.
The president of Extremadura highlighted the shared values between the two cultures, including hospitality, respect for quality work, and care for nature. She emphasized the importance of finding "allies who share our vision of sustainable, humane, and equitable development" in a constantly changing world.
Green Innovation and Business Opportunities
Guardiola highlighted Extremadura's competitive advantages for investors. The region boasts over 3.000 hours of sunshine annually, generates 27 percent of Spain's photovoltaic energy, and holds 30 percent of the country's reservoir water. He emphasized the regional government's commitment to "green innovation," which is contributing to a "sensible energy transition."
The president also mentioned the availability of abundant industrial land at competitive prices, suitable for the industrial, agri-food, logistics, and technological sectors, along with numerous incentives for investors through Extremadura Avante and Invest in Extremadura. Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Japan It opens up new opportunities to promote trade missions, technological exchanges, and joint projects in areas such as electric mobility, biotechnology, and the digital economy.
Proximity and Support for Investors
Acknowledging that investing in a new location can generate uncertainty, Guardiola assured that Extremadura offers not only resources and opportunities, but also "closeness and support." "For us, investors are more than partners; they are fellow travelers, 'nakama,' as they say here," he noted.
“Today, I invite you to look at Extremadura not only as a business opportunity, but also as a place where you can find meaning, belonging, and a future. We want Japan to be part of our history, and for us, the people of Extremadura, to learn and grow alongside them,” the president concluded.
Successful Trade Mission to Japan
The seminar is part of a trade and institutional mission to Japan organized by the Ministry of Economy, Employment and Digital Transformation, through its investment attraction team, Invest in Extremadura. This mission, which began on May 19 and ends this Friday, coincides with the Extremadura Week at Osaka Expo 2025.
Among the prominent participants at the seminar were Shoichi Matsumoto (CEO of AESC Japan), Norihiko Ishihara (CEO of DATA SECTION), and Katsuhito Manabe (President of Renewable Japan). Representing the Regional Government of Extremadura were Víctor Píriz (Secretary General of Economy, Business, and Trade), Miguel Ángel Mendiano (Director General of Extremadura Avante), and Raquel Pastor (Director General of Industry, Energy, and Mines), as well as the coordinator of Invest in Extremadura, Alfonso Muriel.
The day culminated with a gastronomic experience based on products from the Dehesa of Extremadura and the signing of the Book of Honor at the Spanish Embassy by President Guardiola together with the Spanish Ambassador to Japan. Inigo de Palacio.
The Regional Government of Extremadura seeks to strengthen economic and cultural ties with Japan, highlighting the region's distinctive character in key sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, electric mobility, agri-food, and sustainable tourism. This is intended to attract foreign direct investment, generate skilled employment, and consolidate Extremadura as a European leader in green innovation and sustainable growth.
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