> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Catalonia and Osaka sign strategic pact - URL: https://barna.news/catalonia-and-osaka-sign-strategic-pact/ - Published: 2026-09-11T12:41:54.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-11T12:41:54.000Z - Description: Catalan and Osaka officials formalise a cooperation agreement to boost trade, science, and tourism until 2029. - Author: Laia Serra - Tags: politics The President of the Generalitat, [Salvador Illa](https://barna.news/salvador-illa-begins-48-hour-trip-to/), and Osaka Vice Governor Yamaguchi Nobuhiko signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday at the Palau de la Generalitat, establishing a strategic alliance between Catalonia and Osaka aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, research, health sciences, and tourism. The agreement, supported by the Catalan Government in August 2025, sets a formal framework for collaboration until 2029\. It includes plans for annual working meetings to assess progress and deepen ties between the two regions. The pact marks a key step in Catalonia’s Asia Strategy 2025–2030, which prioritises international engagement with Asian economies. ## Focus on science and economic ties - Promotion of direct commercial relations and mutual investment - Strengthening of biomedical ecosystems through collaboration between Biocat and Osaka Bio Headquarters - Joint initiatives in life sciences, digital health, biotechnology, and healthy ageing - Cooperation on decarbonisation, renewable energy, and hydrogen technologies According to the Generalitat, the agreement builds on Illa’s 2025 institutional visit to Japan and South Korea, during which Catalonia promoted itself as a hub for business and innovation. The collaboration with Osaka Bio Headquarters, confirmed during a mission in early July 2026, aims to connect research centres, companies, and institutions in both regions. > "This is just the beginning," said Vice Governor Yamaguchi Nobuhiko during the ceremony, expressing optimism about long-term cooperation. He described Catalonia as a "world-leading region" that successfully combines tradition with innovation. --- ## Tourism and cultural exchange The agreement also strengthens operational links between the Agència Catalana de Turisme and the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau to promote tourist and gastronomic exchanges. This follows Catalonia’s participation in the Osaka Universal Exhibition under the banner of Catalonia Week, an initiative celebrating bilateral relations. Salvador Illa recalled that the partnership emerged from sustained diplomatic efforts, quoting a Japanese proverb: "He who speaks sows, and he who listens reaps." He stressed the importance of high-level face-to-face meetings in building lasting international relationships. The Government Delegation of Catalonia in Japan, established in 2024, will continue to support the implementation of this pact, alongside existing plans to deepen ties with Kyoto and expand Catalonia’s presence in Asia. --- *Primary sources:* [*eb.gencat.cat*](https://web.gencat.cat/en/generalitat/com-ens-organitzem/delegacions/delegacions-govern-exterior/japo/actualitat/2025/el-govern-aprova-l-estrategia-asia-2025-2030-per-impulsar-la-sev?ref=barna.news)*. Reported by cope.es, elperiodico.com, biocat.cat, ultimahora.es, catalannews.com, en.ara.cat, catalonia.com.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Generalitat spent €3.3m on Pope's visit to Catalonia](https://barna.news/generalitat-spent-eu3-3m-on-popes-visit-to-catalonia/) - [Catalan Government Unveils Diada 2026 Poster Without Senyera](https://barna.news/catalan-government-unveils-diada-2026-poster-without-senyera/) - [Catalan pro-independence unity strategy fractures](https://barna.news/catalan-pro-independence-unity-strategy/) - [Illa launches Tarradellas Year in Barcelona](https://barna.news/illa-launches-tarradellas-year-in/)