The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong has informed Lusa that Spanish entrepreneurs have only recently begun to recognize the “potential of Macau” as a vital link between their domestic market and China.
This shift in perception comes as both regions acknowledge a mutual lack of familiarity; Spanish-speaking nations remain relatively unknown to the majority of Chinese business people, creating a clear demand for the specialized business support and consultancy services that Macau and Hong Kong are uniquely positioned to provide.
Despite the significant potential for partnership, the Chamber noted that the Ibero-American business community in China remains “relatively dispersed,” which has historically hindered cohesive growth. However, high-level diplomatic efforts are bridging this gap.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has prioritized engagement with Beijing, completing four visits to China in four years—the most recent in April 2026—to strengthen economic ties in green energy and technology. This diplomatic push is reflected in the data: bilateral trade between China and Spain surpassed $55 billion (€46.8 billion) in 2025, up from $52 billion the previous year.
Read more about this topic: Xi Jinping says China “will always be a good friend” to Latin American and Caribbean countries
Macau’s role, traditionally defined by Beijing as a bridge to the Portuguese-speaking world, has officially expanded to include Spanish-speaking markets. During his first foreign trip in April, Macau’s Chief Executive, Sam Hou Fai, visited Madrid alongside Portugal.
During the visit, Macau’s Chief Executive signed 43 cooperation agreements in sectors like sports and technology, emphasizing that Macau intends to leverage its Sino-Lusophone platform to encompass Spain and Latin America.
The Spanish Chamber of Commerce noted that Macau is actively reinforcing its “soft infrastructure”—business services, training, and administrative support—necessary for Spanish firms to navigate the Chinese regulatory landscape fluently.
Integration projects, such as the cooperation zone in Hengqin (Mountain Island) and partnerships with Guangdong province, offer a concrete path for entry.
Read more about this topic: Macau and Spain deepen economic, scientific, and tourism ties
A dedicated Economic and Trade Service Center for China, Portuguese-speaking, and Spanish-speaking countries was inaugurated in Hengqin last year to facilitate this diversification.
While Spain does not yet have a dedicated chamber based in Macau, the Hong Kong-based organization remains “fully committed” to supporting entrepreneurs in the territory and fostering a broader Ibero-American business community to turn Macau into a “natural and practical starting point” for companies from Spain and Latin America.
