TRI CK Competencies

Business relationships between Mediterranean countries and China

Introduction:

The economic and trade relationships between China and the Mediterranean countries have significantly intensified in recent years. The Mediterranean region comprises countries that are strategically located in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. This article aims to discuss the advantages of logistics, growth potential, Europe as the primary market, and investments in the business relationships between Mediterranean countries and China as the legacy and heritage of the ancient SILK Road from South of Europe towards the East.

Logistics Advantages:

One of the significant advantages of the business relationships between Mediterranean countries and China is logistics. The Mediterranean region is a strategic location for trade, providing an ideal gateway for Chinese goods to enter European markets. The region is situated between the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, making it a perfect connection point for Chinese products to reach the European market. Furthermore, the Mediterranean region provides China with access to the Suez Canal, reducing the transportation time for Chinese products to reach the European market.

Barcelona is one of the more modern seaports in the Mediterranean and perfect logistic platform to the rest of the European countries thanks to its advanced technology in multimodal transport.

Growth Potential:

The Mediterranean region presents enormous potential for Chinese businesses to invest and expand their operations. The region has a vast population, with a combined population of over 300 million people, providing a vast market for Chinese products. Furthermore, the region has a rich history and culture, presenting opportunities for Chinese companies to develop products that cater to the unique tastes and preferences of the Mediterranean population. The region’s tourism sector is also thriving, providing an opportunity for Chinese businesses to invest in the industry and taking advantage of the experience and industry maturity of South of Europe in countries such as France, Spain, Italy and Greece.

Europe as the Primary Market:

Europe is one of the world’s largest markets, providing a vast market for Chinese businesses. EU market size is over 450 million people with high income.

The Mediterranean region presents an opportunity for Chinese businesses to access the European market through the Mediterranean Sea. The region is home to several ports that provide access to the European market, including the Port of Barcelona in Spain, the Port of Piraeus in Greece, the Port of Valencia in Spain, and the Port of Genova in Italy. These ports provide a gateway for Chinese products to enter the European market, providing an opportunity for Chinese businesses to expand their operations.

Barcelona Chamber of Commerce provide exclusive and high advanced level service to Chinese companies to explore business opportunities in Europe using Barcelona as an Entry Point to the Mediterranean and the rest of the European Union.

Investments:

The business relationships between Mediterranean countries and China provide opportunities for Chinese businesses to invest in the region.

China is today the second largest economy in the World and has to be a priority of focus of all the Mediterranean economies. We need to face this fact as an opportunity of collaboration and business development and never a threat.

The Mediterranean region presents opportunities for Chinese businesses to invest in various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and tourism. The region’s infrastructure is rapidly developing, providing an opportunity for Chinese businesses to invest in the construction of highways, railways, and airports. The energy sector is also growing, presenting an opportunity for Chinese businesses to invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. Furthermore, the region’s tourism sector presents an opportunity for Chinese businesses to invest in hotels, resorts, and other tourism-related services.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the business relationships between Mediterranean countries and China present numerous advantages, including logistics advantages, growth potential, access to the European market, and investment opportunities. The Mediterranean region presents a vast market for Chinese businesses to invest and expand their operations. Furthermore, the region’s strategic location provides an ideal gateway for Chinese products to enter the European market, reducing transportation time and costs. The business relationships between Mediterranean countries and China present opportunities for both regions to benefit from economic and trade partnership and the International department of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with all the ASCAME network association is ready to drive and support to their business success.03/20/2023