Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Kunshan, Suzhou on September 11 and held a meeting.

In his speech, Sánchez expressed gratitude for the warm reception in Suzhou. He mentioned that in this vibrant city, Spain and Suzhou have not only produced advanced products and created high-quality jobs but also forged and strengthened economic and social ties. He added the world is undergoing unprecedented changes and the main task currently is to evaluate risks and leverage opportunities. After visiting Kunshan, he is now taking a more optimistic view.

Sánchez also paid a visit to the Kunshan Spain Mondragon Industrial Park yesterday and learned about the development of Spanish-funded enterprises in Suzhou. The industrial park is home to 20 world-famous companies specializing in new energy vehicle parts, intelligent manufacturing, and precision machinery, among others, and has been designated as a "Sino-Spanish International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Demonstration Base" by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The coffee, Kunqu opera and traditional buildings in the city left a deep impression on Sánchez, who even hopes artisans in Suzhou can help build an authentic classical garden in his country. After learning that Kunqu opera, known as the ancestor of Chinese operas, originated in Kunshan, he expressed his deep love for opera and noted the artistic similarities between Kunqu opera and Western operas.

The trade volume between Suzhou and Spain approached $2 billion in 2023 and over 80 Spanish companies have invested in the city.

(Source: iSuzhou)