Andalucía and Japan Strengthen Economic and Cultural Ties Amid Promising Investments
Juanma Moreno's visit to Japan solidifies Andalucía's cultural and economic relationships, highlighted by significant Japanese investment commitments.
Key Points
- • Juanma Moreno initiated a 'communication channel' with Japan to enhance economic and cultural ties.
- • Hitachi Energy committed to an 80 million euro investment in Andalucía, promising hundreds of jobs.
- • Efforts are underway to recover tourism levels, particularly from Japanese visitors interested in flamenco culture.
- • Collaboration agreements were established between Kyoto's and Málaga's technology parks.
Juanma Moreno, the president of Andalucía, recently concluded a week-long visit to Japan aimed at solidifying economic, tourism, and cultural connections. This trip highlighted the establishment of a new "communication channel" with Japan, which is recognized as the world’s fourth-largest economy.
During his engaging visit, Moreno held discussions with representatives from five institutions, six companies, and a technology park. He underscored the significance of Andalucía’s reputation in Japan and articulated the need for increased collaboration in sectors such as industry, energy, green hydrogen, and research and development.
Moreno's visit was marked by a significant commitment from Hitachi Energy to invest 80 million euros in Andalucía, a move expected to generate hundreds of jobs. Additionally, he expressed a strong desire to restore tourism levels to pre-pandemic figures, particularly from Japan, where there exists a growing interest in cultural experiences such as flamenco—highlighted by the presence of more flamenco academies in Japan than in Andalucía itself.
The visit also fostered a significant agreement between the technology parks of Kyoto and Málaga, indicating a mutual understanding and the breaking of new ground in bilateral relations. As Moreno stated, "In Japan, we have sown very well, and we will reap the rewards soon." Fortunately, his schedule remained unaffected by a recent earthquake in the Kamchatka region of Russia, which had prompted a tsunami alert.