Navarra positions itself as a strategic partner for China's industrial expansion in Europe with CITIC Group

The president of Navarra, María Chivite Navascués, visited the headquarters of CITIC Group en Pekín to strengthen bilateral cooperation and identify real investment projects in strategic sectors, consolidating the region as the main gateway for Chinese capital in Europa.

Institutional cooperation and real investment projects

The meeting, held as part of the second day of the official trip of the Navarre delegation to China, has served to deepen the relationship initiated last November in ChongqingDuring the meeting with Xi Guohua, President of CITIC GroupThe excellent state of diplomatic relations between España y China, recently reinforced by the visit of SSMM los Reyes and the President's official trip Gobierno de España, Pedro Sánchez.

The president Chivite has expressed its firm commitment to building a "a solid, lasting and fruitful relationship", pointing to CITIC Group —a state-owned holding company with a presence in finance, infrastructure, and energy— as a top-tier strategic allyThe president highlighted the Asian firm's ability to "integrate resources and ensure the viability of advanced industrial initiatives" that strengthen international value chains.

Navarre: The leading industrial hub for China

In his speech, María Chivite has reiterated the aspiration of the Foral Community to be the priority partner for Chinese companies in their continental expansion. Navarra It is presented as the most industrialized territory of España, with a critical specialization in automotive, renewable energy e agri-food industry.

As proof of the region's operational efficiency, the President cited the success story of Hyundai Mobis, whose investment materialized in "record time". This model of public-private partnership and institutional commitment seeks to attract new investments that will transform the territory and generate mutual economic growth.

Milestone / Entity	Details of the Operation	Context / Sector
CITIC Group	headquarters in Pekín	State-owned holding company (Finance, Energy, Construction)
Initial meeting	November 2023	Advanced Manufacturing Forum in Chongqing
Benchmark investment	Hyundai Mobis	Implementation in record time in Navarra
Key Sectors	Automotive and Renewables	Industrial specialization of the Chartered Community

Cooperation mechanisms and financial platforms

For his part, the counselor of Industria y Transición Digital y Empresarial, Mikel IrujoHe emphasized the need to establish a pragmatic cooperationAmong the agreements explored, the possible creation of a joint working group and the identification of pilot projects that can serve as a spearhead for future trade missions.

One of the most ambitious points on the agenda has been the exploration of a industrial investment and financing platformwhich could lead to the creation of a industrial investment fund specific between China y España, facilitating the flow of capital towards advanced manufacturing projects in Navarre.

The meeting was attended by senior executives from the Chinese group, including Liang Huijiang (Director of Investment), Liang Dan (General Office), Ren Xia (Business Synergy), Li Guozhon (CITIC Pacific Energy) and Cui Langlang (CITIC Heavy Industries).

Positioning: Navarra as a logistics and industrial hub towards Europa.
Synergy: CITIC as an entry platform for Chinese companies in the region.
Instruments: Creation of working groups and industrial investment funds.

Key points and frequently asked questions about the Navarra-CITIC Group alliance

Which sectors are priorities in this collaboration?

The alliance focuses especially on the automotive, renewable energy and agri-food industry, sectors where Navarra holds a prominent industrial leadership in Europa.

What financial instruments have been considered?

The implementation of an industrial financing platform and the creation of a industrial investment fund bilateral between China y España to support projects in the Foral Community.

What is CITIC Group's role in this strategy?

CITIC Group acts as an instrument for projecting external information China and positions itself as the strategic partner to channel advanced industrial investments towards Navarra and the rest of the European market.