A delegation from the Chartered Community of Navarre, led by Mikel Irujo, Regional Minister for Industry and for Ecological and Digital Business Transition, engaged with authorities in Beijing, Lanzhou, and Shenzhen to strengthen bilateral cooperation in strategic areas such as biotechnology and renewable energy, among others. The agenda also included meetings with executives from advanced research centres and leading companies to identify opportunities for collaboration in artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and industrial digitalisation.
In Lanzhou, the Navarrese representatives took part in the Investment and Trade Fair, spoke at the Sister Cities Conference, and strengthened ties with local technology cluster authorities.
In Shenzhen, the delegates gained first-hand insights into the projects of the Institute of Synthetic Biology and visited the tech-focused districts of Longhua and Guangming. Sessions held with government and business representatives reinforced the view that these emerging regions can contribute significantly to the competitiveness of Navarre’s industrial sector.
Minister Irujo emphasised that digitalisation is now an unavoidable requirement: currently, only 25% of Navarrese companies are investing in this area— a figure that must increase to ensure a competitive industrial future. The trip is precisely aimed at facilitating this transition towards a more efficient and advanced industry.
This mission also builds on a relationship that has been developing since 2017 and is aligned with Navarre’s International Plan, which connects SMEs with global opportunities. Discussions with the China Center for Promotion of SME Development were particularly valuable for learning from Chinese practices in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.
From a strategic perspective, the visit seeks to integrate new sources of innovation, promote the internationalisation of Navarrese businesses, and forge lasting partnerships with a global economic and technological powerhouse. The synergies explored in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and clean energy point the way towards a promising bilateral cooperation that could unlock joint developments and boost regional competitiveness.
Source: Navarra.es