Shenzhen Mayor Qin Weizhong led a delegation of Shenzhen municipal government personnel to visit Spain from March 16 to 18 to promote in-depth cooperation between governments, enterprises, and scientific research institutions from the two countries.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the diplomatic relations between China and Spain. To celebrate, a Shenzhen investment promotion fair was held in Madrid on the afternoon of March 16.

A series of investment cooperation projects covering the internet, new energy, culture, sports, financial technology, and other fields were signed at the meeting, with two-way investment exceeding 1 billion euros ($1.06 billion).

In his address at the fair, Qin said that the two sides should comprehensively strengthen practical cooperation in investment and trade, scientific and technological innovation, industrial development, finance, energy, and other fields; expand cooperation space in the arenas of culture, sports, and tourism; and make positive contributions to the strengthening China and Spain’s comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era.

Shenzhen will create a more market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized first-class business environment, strengthen intellectual property rights protection, and create the best conditions for all investors in Shenzhen, including Spanish companies, to share opportunities and create a better future together, Qin added.

Both Shenzhen and Madrid indicated that they would build closer cooperation in economics and trade; push forward the realization of direct flights between the two cities as soon as possible; strengthen practical cooperation regarding the economy, smart city projects, culture, sports, and tourism; and better promote the realization of sustainable development.

Shenzhen and Barcelona became sister cities in November 2021. On March 17, Qin met with his counterpart from Barcelona. Both sides noted that Shenzhen and Barcelona both prioritize innovation and look forward to the two cities taking the lead in scientific and technological innovation cooperation and continuously opening up new prospects for cooperation.

During his stay in Spain, Qin also visited Real Madrid FC, the 22@ Barcelona Innovation District and Supercomputing Center, and took part in fact-finding inspections at relevant enterprises.