Barcelona and Vietnam's chambers of commerce have agreed to boost economic ties. Talks include a potential direct air route between Barcelona and Vietnam. The move could open new business and tourism opportunities for Catalonia.
Barcelona's Chamber of Commerce has formalized a new partnership with its Vietnamese counterpart, aiming to deepen economic cooperation and explore the launch of a direct air connection between the Catalan capital and Vietnam. The agreement was signed in Hanoi during the Southeast Asia tour of Salvador Illa, president of the Generalitat, marking a significant step in Catalonia's international outreach.
Josep Santacreu, president of the Barcelona Chamber, highlighted the growing interest among Catalan companies in Vietnam's expanding market, which now exceeds 100 million inhabitants. According to official figures, Vietnam recorded an 8.02% economic growth in 2025, making it one of Asia's most dynamic economies. The new pact, signed by Santacreu and Nguyen Quang, vice president of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is designed to streamline internationalization processes for businesses in both regions, encourage mutual support, and facilitate the exchange of information. It also sets the stage for organizing trade missions and business conferences.
Following the signing, both sides discussed concrete initiatives, including the possibility of establishing a direct flight between Barcelona and Vietnam. Efforts will focus on assessing whether airlines from either territory can operate such a route, which is seen as a catalyst not only for tourism but also for business expansion. Santacreu emphasized that a direct air link would make it easier for companies to establish a presence in either market, describing Vietnam as a strategic entry point to Southeast Asia, while positioning Catalonia as a gateway to Europe. He also noted Barcelona's strong connectivity to the rest of the continent via its airport, making it attractive for long-haul carriers from Asia.
The agreement was witnessed by Salvador Illa, who framed the move as part of the Catalan government's broader strategy to diversify markets and promote multilateralism, rule-based international trade, and respect for international law. Illa's itinerary in Southeast Asia includes meetings with key economic players, visits to Catalan businesses operating in Vietnam and Singapore, and talks with leading airlines to further mobility between Catalonia and the region. This marks Illa's third official trip to Asia, following visits to Japan, South Korea, and China earlier in 2025, in line with the government's Asia Strategy for 2025-2030.
Lluïsa Moret, spokesperson for the PSC, underlined that the trip is part of a sustained effort to forge alliances supporting economic growth and the Asia Plan, distancing it from being a one-off initiative. She pointed out that expanding into new markets and strengthening commercial ties remains a priority for Catalonia's international agenda.
Vietnam has emerged as a key economic partner for European regions seeking access to Southeast Asia's fast-growing markets. The country has signed several free trade agreements in recent years, including with the European Union, which have reduced tariffs and opened new opportunities for exporters. Barcelona's airport, El Prat, is one of Spain's busiest and serves as a major hub for both passenger and cargo traffic, but currently lacks direct flights to Vietnam. Establishing such a route could significantly reduce travel times and logistical barriers for businesses and tourists alike. The move aligns with broader trends in Spain's regional governments seeking to internationalize their economies and attract foreign investment, particularly in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and tourism. As global supply chains continue to shift, partnerships like the one between Barcelona and Vietnam may play a growing role in shaping the economic landscape of both regions.
