The city of Zaragoza has strengthened this week its institutional and business relations with China in the logistics sector. The ALIA cluster, which groups together logistics companies from Aragon, has signed a collaboration agreement with the Shanghai Logistics Chamber of Commerce and the China-Spain Chamber of Commerce. The signing took place during a specialized forum held in Shanghai with the participation of public and private representatives from both sides.
The Zaragoza delegation was led by the mayor Natalia Chueca, who presented to about twenty Chinese businessmen the main features and advantages of Zaragoza as a logistics platform in southern Europe. The agreement aims to explore bidirectional business opportunities, facilitate the establishment of new Chinese companies in Aragon, and promote the exchange of knowledge and infrastructure between both territories.
Logistical positioning in the European context
During her speech, the mayor highlighted Zaragoza’s strategic geographical location, which allows for access within a single day of road transport to more than 180 million potential consumers in Europe and North Africa. She also referred to the main logistics infrastructures of the city, such as PLAZA (Logistics Platform of Zaragoza), one of the largest in the continent, the Zaragoza Maritime Terminal (dry port), and the airport, which specializes in cargo and has volumes comparable to those of Madrid and Barcelona.
In addition, Chueca emphasized complementary factors such as the availability of industrial land, competitive operating costs, legal and political stability, and a favorable energy environment, with renewable energy generation exceeding regional consumption.
“China is already a relevant partner for Zaragoza, with companies like CATL and TDG present in the region. This agreement seeks to expand that cooperation,” the mayor stated, inviting more Chinese companies to consider Zaragoza as an operational base for their activities in Europe.
Mutual business interest
The agreement was well received by the Chinese entities participating in the forum. Shen Jiaguan, Secretary General of the Shanghai Industry Chamber of Commerce’s Logistics Association, explained the scope of the partnership and its interest in collaborating with European logistics players. From the ALIA cluster, its president Eduardo Corella positively assessed the approach, highlighting that “it opens new possibilities for development for Aragonese companies in an increasingly interconnected global environment.”
Existing connectivity and potential for expansion
Zaragoza already maintains logistical ties with China, such as the Zaragoza–Xinjiang freight train, which significantly reduces travel times compared to traditional maritime transport. The feasibility of a direct air freight route with the city of Wuhan is also being evaluated.
On the institutional level, the Zaragoza City Council has signed agreements with various Chinese cities such as Lishui, Jiaxing, Nanjing, and Weihai, focused on logistics, innovation, and sustainability. These alliances strengthen Zaragoza’s position within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative promoted by the Chinese government, and consolidate its role as an intercontinental logistics hub in southern Europe.
