Salvador Illa, president of the Generalitat, Catalonia's regional government, will travel to Vietnam and Singapore from 25 to 30 July on a trade and institutional mission aimed at promoting Catalan exports and attracting investment from Southeast Asia.
The itinerary is intended to support Catalan companies seeking business in the two countries and firms already operating there. It is the first visit to Southeast Asia by a president of the Generalitat, according to Catalan News.
Four-city itinerary and political meetings
Illa's programme includes Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, followed by Singapore. He is due to meet economic representatives, visit Catalan companies and hold talks with the main airline in each country.
- In Hanoi, Illa is scheduled to meet the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
- In Ho Chi Minh City, he will open the Catalonia-Ho Chi Minh City Business Forum and address business representatives.
- In Singapore, he is due to meet Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and ST Engineering, a technology, engineering and defence group.
- In Vietnam, he will meet Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc.
Third Asian visit since taking office
The visit is Illa's third trip to Asia since becoming president, following visits to Japan, South Korea and China in 2025. ARA reported that the trip follows a visit to California two months earlier.
His agenda also includes a meeting with Vietnam Airlines. Catalan News said both governments have expressed mutual interest in the airline meeting, while the mission is intended to strengthen commercial and institutional ties with the region.
Primary sources: exteriors.gencat.cat, eb.gencat.cat. Reported by Source Text Link, catalannews.com, ARA, particle.news, russpain.com, Júlia Regué, Martina Alcobendas, EFE, mfa.gov.sg, Công Thương, Ara Cat.
