Catalonia Seeks Closer Economic Ties with Mexico
Salvador Illa, president of the Generalitat de Catalunya, has called for deeper economic collaboration between Catalonia and Mexico, highlighting mutual opportunities during the opening of the forum 'Catalunya i Mèxic: connectant oportunitats' in Barcelona on Thursday 8 October 2026. The event brought together around 40 Mexican entrepreneurs who have been visiting the region over the past week, alongside BBVA president Carlos Torres and Catalan institutional representatives. Organised by BBVA and the Generalitat, the forum aimed to strengthen commercial relations and explore new investment pathways. Illa emphasized that Catalonia accounts for nearly 20% of Spain’s GDP, hosts a fifth of its population, and is responsible for 26% of national exports. He pointed to Catalonia’s diversified economy, including tourism, automotive, chemical, primary, and industrial sectors, as a foundation for partnership. "Creo que aquí hay puentes a construir y reforzar," Illa said, stressing both economic alignment and historical bonds rooted in the Republican exile to Latin America, which he described as "the best substrate" for future cooperation.
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Carlos Torres noted that stable, trust-based economic relationships are especially valuable amid current geopolitical fragmentation. He highlighted that Catalan exports to Mexico exceed €2 billion annually, with around 1,500 Catalan companies exporting to the country and 380 Mexican firms established there.
Catalunya y México tienen mucho que ofrecerse. Son dos economías con una fuerte vocación empresarial e internacional.
Torres described Mexico as a key industrial and manufacturing hub deeply integrated into North American supply chains, while positioning Catalonia as an export-driven economy with one of southern Europe’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems. He added that the BBVA serves as a strategic partner for Catalan companies looking to expand into Mexico and vice versa, underlining the bank’s role in facilitating cross-border investment.
Shared Business Culture and Future Goals
Both Illa and Torres underscored the significance of family-owned businesses in both regions, citing their long-term vision and local anchoring as strengths. The forum follows Illa’s visit to Mexico last year, which helped create a more favourable institutional climate for bilateral engagement. Current trade flows between the two territories amount to more than €2.6 billion per year. Officials say there is significant potential to expand this further, particularly in technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.
Primary sources: eb.gencat.cat, Generalitat de Catalunya, record.bibliotecadigital.gencat.cat. Reported by europapress.es, Notimérica, cronicaglobal.elespanol.com, elperiodico.com, EFE, en.ara.cat, Marta Puig i Vidal, cambrabcn.org, Europa Press Barcelona.
