China, Spain eye deeper economic ties amid global trade challenges: expert

A Spanish industry leader emphasized the urgent need for stable trade relations with China to counter growing global trade instability fueled by rising tariffs at a time when Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrived in China for his third trip in three years.

Javier Tora Mira, chairman of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in South China, denounced the protectionist measures and highlighted the importance of strong China-Spain economic ties in the current climate in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Friday,

"Tariffs and to put boundaries to international trade is not helpful for the global economy and for globalization. Tariffs will affect especially the consumers, consumers' pocket and economy, and also will affect a lot of SMEs, small-and-medium-sized enterprises. They will not be able to survive in this environment. Many workers will lose their jobs, and also, many companies will close," he said.

Spanish MP Sanchez landed in Beijing on Thursday for a two-day official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The Spanish PM's last two trips to the country occurred in September 2024 and March 2023, respectively.

Mira praised Sanchez's visit as a stabilizing force, noting that "I want our two leaders to work to give stability to the countries, especially our countries and the regions, Europe and Asia. And I think the Spanish (Prime Minister's) visit is positive because we will give more value to the commercial relationships between China and Spain."

Beyond navigating current global challenges, Mira outlined substantial opportunities for deeper collaboration between the countries.

"The potential is big because Spain not only has a good location in Europe, (but) as well as an entrance for Latin America and South America. But especially the areas we can cooperate, like Spain, is strong in food and beverages, olive oil, meat, wine, fruits, fashion, and technology. In research and development, we have a lot of scientists and investigators in Spain, leading many new technologies as well. China is very strong in new technologies, such as EVs or electric vehicles, green energies, robotics, electronics, etc. That's why I think the mix between the two countries can have a big potential," said Mira.

China, Spain eye deeper economic ties amid global trade challenges: expert

Serbia's Agriculture Minister Dragan Glamocic hailed the surge in exports to China following the launch of a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) in recent years, calling the pact a strategic relationship of mutual vision and voicing optimism for deeper bilateral cooperation.

The FTA between China and Serbia, signed in October 2023 and implemented on July 1, 2024, eliminates tariffs on roughly 90 percent of bilateral trade. More than 60 percent of goods became duty-free immediately upon its entry into force, marking a decisive step in deepening economic ties.

He said the agreement has reshaped Serbia’s trade profile, fueling a 69-percent jump in agricultural exports while accelerating imports of Chinese technologies and farm mechanization.

"The relationship between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Serbia, I would describe as a long-term, strategic relationship of mutual political and clear economic vision.The Free Trade Agreement between our countries was signed in 2023. It was introduced in 2024. As a result, our trade exchange has greatly improved, especially in the field of agriculture. We can say from that moment our exports to China grew for 69 percent. We have also made easier the import of certain things, such as mechanization and digital technologies, from the People's Republic of China to Serbia," said Glamocic.

"Our traditional products, such as wine, our domestic brandy, our honey, dried plums, frozen raspberries, similarly, imports of modern technologies from China are increasing, mechanization also, which really improves our agriculture business in Serbia. So I am an optimist that it will get better and better every day," he added.

The minister spoke highly of Serbia's partnership with China and voiced hope for broader cooperation in the future.

"What I would expect from China is that we sometimes try to speed up these procedures as much as possible. It is especially an honor for us when such a small country has such a status in the People's Republic of China. We were the first country to sign this type of strategic document in Europe, and we have reached the highest possible level among the two countries," he said.

Serbian agriculture minister reports record export growth to China