On March 24, during the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) 2026 Annual Conference, Hainan and Catalonia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Following a visit by a Catalan delegation eight months ago in July 2025, the signing marks a rapid acceleration in bilateral cooperation between the two sides. Jaume Duch, the Catalan Minister for European Union and Foreign Action, shared a forward-looking vision for the partnership.

Minister Duch emphasized that Catalonia, which accounts for 20% of Spain’s GDP and is home to a robust, long-standing industrial and trading heritage, is eager to strengthen links with the world’s most vibrant regions. The Minister’s visit to Hainan last year provided him with a clear view of the Hainan FTP’s booming momentum and the solid foundation for mutual cooperation. Duch described Hainan as a pivotal Asia-Pacific partner for Catalonia, noting that the swift progression toward an MOU reflects a shared recognition of mutual development potential and commitment to openness.

Minister Duch identified port logistics and tourism as the natural pillars of this collaboration, and highlighted the synergy between Hainan’s Yangpu Port—a pivotal maritime hub for Southeast Asia—and Catalonia’s ports of Barcelona and Tarragona, which serve as strategic gateways to the Mediterranean and Latin America. These complementary locations offer opportunities to strengthen ties in digitalization, green low-carbon initiatives, and shipping route coordination, forging a new trade and logistics bridge between the Mediterranean and the South China Sea.

Regarding tourism, the Minister noted that Catalonia welcomes nearly 100 million visitors annually. With Hainan’s rich cultural resources and expansive market, the potential for reciprocal tourism is immense. The newly signed MOU prioritizes cultural and tourism exchanges as a catalyst for deeper economic and trade connectivity through increased people-to-people flows.

Duch also outlined a clear roadmap for implementing the agreement. Following the signing, both parties will develop work plans to translate their consensus into concrete projects, with priority given to port logistics, healthcare tourism, green technology, agriculture, and transportation. The Minister expressed optimism in regards to more Catalan businesses establishing a presence in Hainan to share in the benefits of the FTP’s open policies. Science and innovation are also key highlights - as Catalonia is a premier Spanish tech hub with strengths in AI and digital technology, and Hainan’s digital economy and research capabilities are steadily rising. Duch sees high complementarity in technology transfer, industrial synergy, and talent development, which will serve to strengthen ties.

Commenting on the island-wide special customs operations of the Hainan FTP, Minister Duch offered a positive assessment. He noted that Hainan’s path and achievements in opening up to the world provide valuable insights for other regions. He characterized the current period as a ‘golden window’ for deepening cooperation, urging both sides to leverage the advantages provided by ports, free trade policies, and open platforms to drive pragmatic results through specific projects.

Looking ahead, Minister Duch expressed Catalonia’s readiness to work with Hainan, using this MOU as a new starting point to advance cooperation across all fields. By creating a model for regional partnership, fresh vitality will be brought to China-Spain friendship and economic exchanges.