Chinese company SMM chooses Catalonia to host leading lithium-ion battery congress

The Chinese company SMM Information & Technology, specializing in the metal and new energy industry and providing price benchmarks, events, research, and consultancy services, has chosen Catalonia to host the Li-ion Battery Europe Congress, its main event in the field of lithium-ion batteries. The Asian company and the Catalan Minister for Business and Labour, Miquel Sàmper, announced this on Monday during a working meeting held as part of the institutional trip organized by Catalonia Trade & Investment in China to promote business relations between the two regions.

To bring the congress to Catalonia, SMM has received support from Catalonia Trade & Investment, which advises and accompanies foreign companies in the processes following their establishment in Catalonia. Specifically, support for this project has been provided through the China Desk, an initiative aimed at attracting investment projects for production plants, headquarters, or technology centers of Chinese companies, primarily in the mobility and health sectors.  

“China's connection with Europe on battery industry challenges from Barcelona strengthens our industry's position in the electrification value chain”

Miquel Sàmper, Minister for Business and Labour

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Miquel Sàmper highlighted that Catalonia had been chosen as the venue for this industry congress. "The fact that China wants to connect with Europe to face the challenges of the battery industry is crucial. Doing it from Catalonia, from Barcelona, contributes to strengthening the positioning of our industry in the electrification value chain," he stressed.

The Li-ion Battery Europe Event (LiBE) 2025 will bring together key players from the European lithium battery industry, including companies in the field and institutional representatives from the European Union. The event will focus on debating the key challenges currently facing the European battery industry, analyzing new developments from a regulatory perspective, and exploring opportunities for collaboration between Europe and China in this industry. The event will include presentations and round tables focused on batteries, energy storage, and electric vehicles, along with networking events.

As part of its activities, SMM represents Chinese companies in the energy, metal, and battery sectors, aiming to support them in their expansion processes. Therefore, SMM has chosen Catalonia to host the congress to connect the Chinese battery ecosystem with the European one. The Li-ion Battery Europe Event (LiBE) 2025 will be held on November 3 and 4, 2025, in Barcelona. It will bring together the main actors from the entire value chain of the European lithium-ion battery industry, including companies in this field and institutional representatives from the European Union. The event will focus on debating the key challenges currently facing the European battery industry, analyzing new developments from a regulatory perspective, and exploring opportunities for collaboration between Europe and China in this field.

Established in 1999, SMM is one of the most comprehensive intelligence companies in the field of non-ferrous, ferrous, and new energy materials industries. With 2,000 daily price benchmarks, we have accumulated trust and reputation among numerous metal-related manufacturers in China and abroad. Benefiting from our original pricing benchmarks, we attract 400,000 daily visitors, 3.4 million subscribers, and over 4,000 new registrations every day.

Headquartered in Shanghai, SMM has six regional offices across China and overseas hubs in London, Jakarta, and New York.

New Chinese investment opportunities for Catalonia

The Minister of Business and Labour, Miquel Sàmper, is leading an institutional mission to China this week. The mission aims to strengthen trade relations between China and Catalonia, with a particular focus on promoting the business opportunities offered by Catalonia to attract foreign investment from China. He is accompanied by General Secretary Pol Gibert, Secretary of Business and Competitiveness, and Catalonia Trade & Investment's CEO, Jaume Baró.

The agenda for the institutional visit includes several working meetings with Chinese companies such as Chery Automotive, EVE Energy, Dynanonic, and SMM Information & Technology. Additionally, Minister Sàmper will participate in various events to promote Catalonia in key sectors such as batteries and energy.

According to data from the Financial Times' fDi Markets, foreign investment in Catalonia from China has reached 1.279 billion euros over the last five years, leading to the creation of more than 2,300 new jobs. Currently, there are 200 subsidiaries of Chinese companies established in Catalonia. Catalonia Trade & Investment offers support and guidance for Chinese investors from their three offices in Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai.