Port of Barcelona and Port of Shanghai sign strategic agreement to deepen cooperation

The Port of Barcelona has welcomed an institutional and business delegation from Shanghai as part of the two ports' close collaboration. During the visit, the Port of Barcelona, the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission (SMTC), and Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) signed a new strategic cooperation agreement to strengthen ties between the two ports.

The agreement was signed by José Alberto Carbonell, President of the Port of Barcelona; Xiao Hui, Director General of the SMTC; and Yang ZhiYong, Vice President of SIPG, in the presence of Jaume Duch, Catalonia’s Minister for European Union and Foreign Action.

The new agreement officially establishes the "sister ports" relationship between Shanghai and Barcelona and sets out a framework for closer cooperation in key areas, including port digitalization and security, green port development, alternative fuels, intermodality, and the promotion of sustainable maritime corridors between the Far East and the Mediterranean.

 
The relationship between the Port of Barcelona and the Port of Shanghai has strengthened significantly in recent years. In July 2025, both port authorities signed a preliminary cooperation agreement, which was followed by a technical visit to Barcelona in September 2025 by a Shanghai delegation led by Wang Haijian, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of SIPG. The visit focused on advancing the Green Shipping and Digital Corridor being developed between the two ports.

The meetings also addressed the growth of trade and logistics flows between China and Europe and included a visit to the Ebro-Chery facilities located in Barcelona’s Zona Franca industrial area.

During the latest visit, the Shanghai delegation toured the vehicle terminal operated by Autoterminal, continuing the work underway to develop the Green Shipping and Digital Corridor connecting Barcelona and Shanghai.

With this new strategic agreement and institutional visit, the Port of Barcelona further strengthens its position as a Euro-Mediterranean logistics hub while reinforcing links with one of the world’s leading ports and economic centers.

Catalonia Trade & Investment supports business ties with China

As economic ties between Catalonia and China continue to grow, Catalonia Trade & Investment supports Chinese companies through its Shanghai office and its dedicated China Desk in Barcelona. These teams provide tailored guidance to companies considering establishing operations in Barcelona-Catalonia, from initial market assessment to business set-up and connections with key local partners. They also assist Catalan companies looking to expand into China.

Source: Port of Barcelona