According to comprehensive news from WorldWay Immigration: Spain's El País published a report titled "Spain Hopes to Attract Chinese Investors" on July 26, indicating that attracting Chinese investors has become a new challenge for the Spanish government. In the past, Chinese people knew almost nothing about Spain, and the opportunities brought by the crisis did not attract the attention of large Chinese enterprises. However, in recent months, China's interest in Spain seems to be growing, and it is no longer viewed merely as a springboard for entering Latin America or Europe, but rather as a target for investment in Spain's energy, tourism, food, and real estate sectors.
The report states that Spanish officials, led by Secretary of State for Trade Jaime García-Legas, have been dedicated to attracting Chinese investment in Spain, and their efforts are beginning to bear fruit. The number of Chinese enterprises investing in Spain is increasing year by year.
Currently, China ranks thirteenth among countries investing in Spain, accounting for 2% of the total foreign investment in Spain. Among European countries, Spain ranks ninth in terms of Chinese investment. Luxembourg is the country with the highest Chinese investment in Europe, due to its low tax standards. However, the leading country should be France, as it hosts 300 Chinese enterprises.
The report indicates that China initially focused on Africa, then turned its attention to Latin America, particularly Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, and Cuba. China has made significant inroads into these countries' railway, oil, and other sectors. Once solely focused on energy, raw materials, and food security, China is now beginning to tackle the tough market of Europe.
From the acquisition of the Spanish Campofrío food company by China's Shuanghui Group to Fosun Group's investment in a Spanish ham manufacturing company, China has leveraged these two large-scale commercial activities to gain access to advanced technology in Spain's food sector. The acquisition of a Spanish hotel chain by China's HNA Group marked a significant event in China's entry into the Spanish hotel industry. Additionally, China's Wanda Group purchased the landmark "Edificio España" in Madrid from Banco Internacional de España, becoming a notable story in the real estate sector. China's influence on Spain's tourism industry is also growing, as evidenced by the increase in direct flight routes between the two countries. Major Chinese enterprises such as Huawei and China Shipping Group are also exploring new markets in Spain.
In 2013, Spain implemented the "€500,000 Real Estate Investment Immigration Law," which stimulated interest among Chinese investors in Spain. According to statistics, in 2013, Spain issued over 85,000 visas to Chinese citizens.
WorldWay Immigration Editor
