Asia and the Pacific

The proliferation of activities aimed at fostering free trade agreements is leading towards the integration of nations in the Asia-Pacific, a region that generates 53% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

South Asia plays a key role in the "Asian century"; the region has the largest economically active population in the world. At present, it is attempting to improve quality of life through accelerated economic growth, foreign trade, social progress and cultural development.

Spain has included South Asia within the parameters of foreign policy with increasingly closer and more active ties. The main regional intergovernmental organization is the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) established in December 1985 and comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

​Spanish seafarers were the first Europeans to cross the Pacific in the 16th and 17th Centuries. Some of the current States of Micronesia, such as the Marshall Islands and Palau, formed part of the Spanish Crown. After a long period of absence, Spain has returned to the region and is once again looking towards the South Pacific, maintaining diplomatic relations with all the States in the region.