Catalan week at the World Expo in Shanghai

Chinese businessmen attend seminar on investing in Catalonia

Mario Roehrich

May 29, 2010 04:51 PM

Shanghai (CNA) .- Coinciding with the Catalan week of the Universal World Expo in Shanghai, the Minister of Innovation, Universities and Business of the Catalan government,Josep Huguet, has predicted that multinationals currently set in Catalonia can be 'hand changed' to become Chinese, considering the growth potential of the Asian giant.

The Catalan delegation at the Expo told the Chinese business community of the strategic location of Catalonia in the Mediterranean, its industrial tradition and the infrastructure advantages of the region. After the seminar concluded, the Chinese delegation agreed to visit Catalonia to study all available investment possibilities.

Catalonia plays host to two thirds of all Chinese tourists visiting Spain. Aware of the fact that China is an emerging market, a dozen of Catalan tourist companies have held several meetings this week all over the country to promote Catalonia as a destination for the Chinese. Huguet expressed his short-term hope to triple the number of Chinese tourists and reminded those present that the Chinese tourist does not seek sun and sand but rather culture and cuisine. Although it may have its difficulties, tour operators see potential in this market.