Spain’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Carlos Aragon, has urged both countries to prioritize direct flights, saying stronger air links could significantly increase bilateral trade.
Speaking to the business community at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), he also pledged to simplify visa processing. Business applicants would receive priority to help them secure visas without unnecessary delays, he said.
Women’s Empowerment and Climate Action Offer Scope for Cooperation
Aragon identified women’s empowerment, efforts to reduce the effects of climate change, and the circular economy as key priorities for Spain. He said these areas offered opportunities for cooperation with Pakistan.
Spain was working with the United Nations to advance women’s empowerment, he added. Meanwhile, a UNICEF-funded project in Punjab was providing training and practical skills to young girls.
The ambassador expected the project’s first phase to finish by the end of the current year. The second phase would begin after the first concluded.
Turning to the circular economy, Aragon said Spain had introduced a national strategy four to five years ago.
Although the two countries had no formal agreement in this area, some Spanish companies already supplied textile recycling machinery to Pakistan, he noted.
Spanish Universities Offer Opportunities for Pakistani Students
Aragon said Spanish universities offered Pakistani students valuable opportunities for personal and academic development.
He added that Pakistani graduates of these institutions could help strengthen Pakistan’s image internationally. The Spanish embassy would support closer ties between Pakistani students and universities in Spain, he assured participants.
The ambassador expressed confidence that direct air connections, easier visa procedures, women’s empowerment, the circular economy, textile recycling and higher education could deepen bilateral relations.
Spain could also assist Pakistan in developing its renewable energy sector, he added.
FCCI Invites Spanish Investment in M3 Industrial Estate
Earlier, FCCI President Arif Ehsan Malik welcomed the ambassador and highlighted substantial untapped potential in Pakistan-Spain trade.
He invited Spanish investors to explore opportunities at M3 Industrial Estate. Malik also said he was working to secure recognition for Faisalabad as Pakistan’s first circular city.
He cited the city’s consumption of 90% of textile waste and 65% of plastic waste in support of that effort.
Malik described FCCI as an elected representative body for Faisalabad’s business community. He said the chamber had 20,000 members and called it Pakistan’s “textile engine.”
He also thanked Aragon for Spain’s support for Pakistan’s GSP Plus status.
According to Malik, most exporters fully complied with labor and environmental laws while meeting their other international responsibilities.
He said Pakistan supplied traditional textile products that local businesses could co-brand with Spanish partners.
Textile Design and Olive Oil Among Proposed Partnerships
Malik praised Spain’s expertise in olive oil production. He suggested that cooperation in this sector could benefit both countries.
In addition, he proposed a partnership between a Spanish design school and the Textile University of Faisalabad. Such cooperation could support industrial design, fashion and innovation, he said.
A question-and-answer session followed. Participants included Kashif Zia, Muhammad Faheem, Kanwal Saeed, Dr. Muzamil Hussain, Hunain Hamid, Muhammad Umer, Mudassar Amin, Taimoor Tahir, Muhammad Awais, Muhammad Yousaf and Sohail Butt.
FCCI Senior Vice President Mian Muhammad Saeed later delivered the vote of thanks. To conclude the event, Malik presented the FCCI shield to Ambassador Carlos Aragon.
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