Mariano Rajoy highlights strength of Spanish economy in China

Beijing (People’s Republic of China)

During his bilateral meeting with the President of the People's Republic of China on Saturday, Mariano Rajoy highlighted the buoyancy of the Spanish economy. "We suffered an unprecedented economic crisis with five years of negative growth; we have now overcome this; from among the major European economies, we are growing at the fastest rate, and our exports have played a decisive role in this", he explained.

The President of the Government, accompanied on his trip by the Minister for Public Works, Íñigo de la Serna, stressed to the Chinese President the potential of Spanish companies in the infrastructure sector and the government's interest and that of business leaders travelling with him to take part in the New Silk Road project.

Mariano Rajoy conveyed to the President of the People's Republic of China, on behalf of King Felipe VI, an invitation to make a State visit to Spain, when his agenda permits.

After his meeting with Xi Jinping, Mariano Rajoy held a meeting with the Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang, during which the President of the Government of Spain expressed the importance for Spain of relations between the two countries.

Second day

During his second day in China, Mariano Rajoy attended the inaugural meeting of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, held at the National Convention Centre of China. During the meeting, the participants exchanged opinions on the possibilities of developing the New Silk Road, a project that seeks to boost trade relations and infrastructures that connect China with other Asian countries, with Europe and with Africa.

After the welcoming ceremony, and prior to the official dinner, the heads of the delegation posed, together with their spouses, for the group photo.