The Minister of Foreign Affairs highlights cooperation opportunities with Asia-Pacific in innovation

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, recently inaugurated the round table “The Asian Wave of Innovation: The Challenge that Redefines the Future of Europe” in Barcelona. The event was organized by Casa Asia at the Palau Macaya of the “la Caixa” Foundation.

During his address, he analyzed the technological advancements of China, Japan, Korea, and other major economies in the Asian region, and highlighted Spain's commitment to an agenda focused on shared prosperity, economic security, and support for the internationalization of companies, universities, and research centers.

José Manuel Albares emphasized that this is “a highly relevant issue, full of opportunities for our country, our science and innovation, and our businesses.” He also stressed the importance of Europe strengthening its position in strategic sectors in a context where Asia is consolidating its position as one of the main global innovation hubs.

This meeting took place following the approval in late 2025 of the Asia-Pacific Strategy, presented in Barcelona, ​​which places innovation at the heart of Spain's foreign policy in the region. The minister emphasized that "these frameworks generate trust, a fundamental element for boosting investment, scientific cooperation, and strengthening political and economic relations."

The roundtable also included the participation of institutional representatives such as the Director General of Casa Asia, José Pintor; the Director of International Institutional Relations at CaixaBank, Joan Rosás; and the Director of the Palau Macaya, Pep Ollé. Experts such as Manuela Delgado, Luis Galán Lozano, and Rafael Galán del Río participated in the debate, which was moderated by Julio Ceballos.

Read the news on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation

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