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 is called on to play an important role in world history as it assumes its role in the ‘Asian Century’. The region has the largest economically active population in the world. At present, it is trying to improve its standard of living through fast economic growth, foreign trade, social progress and cultural development.

​East Asia has positioned itself as one of the most influential geo-political areas in the world. Its future role in trade relations and global security is essential. Spain has made relations with East Asia one of the main pillars of its foreign policy. This has translated into closer relations with such countries as China, Japan and South Korea: political contact is ongoing, trade relations have multiplied and ties between civil societies are growing.

​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.