The Port of Algeciras consolidates its position as the gateway to Southeast Asia with a 25% increase in trade with ASEAN countries.

El Port of Algeciras has strengthened its position as a strategic logistics hub for trade between Spain and the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during a conference held recently at the Madrid Chamber of Commerce. The Andalusian port has recorded a significant increase in 25 % in the volume of imports and exports with this region since 2018, consolidating itself as a crucial gateway for Spanish companies interested in the dynamic Asian market.

 

The event, organized in collaboration with the Spain-Asean Business Association (ASEMPEA) and Andalusia Trade, brought together key figures from the sector to analyze business opportunities and the growing importance of Algeciras on these trade routes. Gerardo Landaluce Calleja, president of the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras (APBA), highlighted the potential of the ASEAN region, which brings together 600 million consumers and represents the world's fifth-largest economy, with clear aspirations to climb to fourth place.

 

"This rapidly developing market is an opportunity for Algeciras to channel exports and imports from Southeast Asia, which have increased in our port by..." 25 % “Since 2018,” Landaluce stated during his opening remarks. He also highlighted the trade missions that the port has recently organized to Malaysia and the Philippines to strengthen ties and explore new business opportunities.

 

Connectivity is one of Algeciras's strengths, currently offering four direct and regular maritime services to the ASEAN market, operated by major shipping alliances such as Gemini and Premier Alliance. This infrastructure streamlines the flow of goods, including, on the Spanish side, exports of olive oil, spirits, stainless steel, and aluminum. Conversely, imports from ASEAN focus on tires, textiles, and various machinery.

 

In later statements, the president of the APBA, Gerardo Landaluce CallejaHe gave a positive assessment of the day: "The truth is that the day we've had has been quite successful […] For us as Port of AlgecirasIt is important to put ourselves at the service of our clients, of the companies […] we are facilitators and it also […] allows us to be in contact with the clients, with the operators.” Landaluce also emphasized the port’s investment commitment: “We are mobilizing a significant investment […] over the next five years, those funds will be invested 500 millones de euros"Because ultimately we need to invest in infrastructure, in services, and above all, also facilitate the entire transition and those logistics chains that connect us with Southeast Asia."

 

For its part, Tomas Gonzalez, President of ASEMPEAHe explained the objective of the meeting: “The objective of the day […] was about the trade relationship between Spain and Southeast Asia […] focused on the port of Algeciras as the main protagonist." González added: "As the Port is a member of ASEMPEA"So we couldn't help but support him [...] it's a part of the world that's somewhat forgotten, or rather, not prioritized by Spanish companies, and we believe it has great potential Asia is very important, Southeast Asia, and the port can be a wonderful tool to promote that trade and that business relationship."

 

From Andalusia Trade, Fernando FerreroThe Director of Internationalization of the Economy expressed the support of the Andalusian agency: "We have been delighted to participate in this event to support the port of Algeciras […] For us, from Andalusia Trade […] We are delighted to support the port of Algeciras, which for us is a strategic ally in these two areas [promotion of Andalusian companies and attraction of foreign investment]."

 

The event not only served to educate on the competitive advantages of operating through Algeciras—its strategic location on the Strait of Gibraltar, its efficient infrastructure, and its network of connections—but also to strengthen relations between key players in Spanish-Asian international trade and explore future collaborations that will further boost this growing trade exchange.