国内英语资讯:Spotlight: Belt and Road initiative enriches Spain-China cooperation_时事

国内英语资讯:Spotlight: Belt and Road initiative enriches Spain-China cooperation

"Spain has become an important investment destination for China in Europe," Tian added.

China has become Spain's largest non-EU trading partner. Bilateral trade volume rose from 12 million U.S. dollars in 1973 to a record 30.9 billion dollars in 2017.

Tian believed that Wang's visit to Spain will boost cooperation in more areas and through new modes.

NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Spanish Prime Minister Rajoy attended the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing in May 2017. He spoke highly of the Initiative, saying it has a significant impact on regional economy and cultural exchanges along its routes by promoting cooperation.

He noted it is important especially for businesses "because this is about building land and maritime infrastructures that help unite the different peoples of the world and improve trade."

In this sense, Spain is among the first beneficiaries. In November 2017, after a 20-hour trip, the first Yixin'ou cargo train arrived in Madrid from Yiwu in East China, passing through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany and France.

Data from the foundation for Yiwu-Spain exchanges FIYE showed Spanish exports to Yiwu have increased by more than 300 percent thanks to the cargo train service.

Chang Shiru, director of the Foundation of the Confucius Institute of Barcelona, thought that increased cultural exchanges helped consolidate the basis for Spain-China cooperation.