Emilio Luque Ascanio (ASEMER): Strengthening the Spanish-Romanian business partnership

As Spain celebrated its National Day earlier this month (October 12), it was also a moment to acknowledge and reflect on the growing economic ties between Spain and Romania. With over 7,000 Spanish companies already active locally and investments exceeding EUR 1.7 billion, the relationship has evolved into a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership. In this interview, Emilio Luque Ascanio, President of ASEMER (the Spanish-Romanian Business Association), shares insights on the sectors driving Spanish investment, the opportunities for collaboration between the two countries, and ASEMER’s vision for deepening bilateral economic cooperation in the years ahead.

Earlier this month, Spain celebrated its National Day. How do you see the Spanish-Romanian economic relationship evolving in this context?

The celebration of Spain’s National Day offers an excellent opportunity to reflect on the evolution and growing maturity of Spanish-Romanian economic relations. Over the past decade, the two countries have significantly intensified their commercial and investment ties, driven by a shared commitment to European values, economic integration, and sustainable development.

In the current context, we are witnessing a strong partnership between the two countries. At the same time, if we examine the statistics, Spain ranks 8th in the top of countries of origin of foreign investors in Romania, with a share of 2.53% in total foreign capital. ONRC data showed in February 2025 that 7,057 companies with Spanish capital participation worth a total of EUR 1.738 billion were registered in Romania.

Moving forward, I believe continued emphasis on trade, investment, and joint ventures can foster greater economic integration between the two countries.

ASEMER is active in Romania — what sectors do you find most attractive for Spanish investors here?

From ASEMER’s perspective, several sectors in Romania present remarkable opportunities for Spanish investors. Infrastructure remains highly attractive, as Romania continues to invest heavily in transport corridors, smart cities, and public utilities — areas where Spanish engineering companies have extensive international experience. At the same time, green energy is perhaps the most dynamic, given Romania’s ambitious targets for decarbonization and Spain’s global leadership in solar and wind power. Spanish firms can contribute not only capital, but also know-how and technological innovation. We also see increasing potential in manufacturing, consumer goods, and technology, particularly in software development and digital services. The Romanian workforce is highly qualified, multilingual, and competitive, offering a strong advantage for companies looking to establish regional hubs or shared service centers.

How would you describe the investment climate in Romania for Spanish companies at this moment?

The investment climate in Romania is generally favorable, marked by reforms to improve ease of doing business, a growing consumer market, and incentives for foreign investment. The country’s strategic location, combined with access to the European single market, makes it a valuable destination for Spanish businesses seeking regional diversification.

Romania’s improving infrastructure is also an encouraging factor, and the recent reforms aimed at digitalizing public services and simplifying tax procedures are steps in the right direction. Of course, challenges remain — notably bureaucratic delays and regulatory unpredictability — but these are increasingly manageable with the right local partners and institutional support.

What potential do you see for strengthening bilateral business ties between Spain and Romania?

The potential is significant. Beyond traditional trade and investment, the next phase of Spanish-Romanian collaboration should focus on innovation-driven partnerships. Both countries can benefit from closer cooperation in green transition projects, digitalization, and smart infrastructure.

The key to unlocking this potential lies in building stronger institutional and business networks, something ASEMER is deeply committed to.

How does ASEMER support Spanish companies navigating the Romanian market, and what are the key challenges?

ASEMER acts as a bridge between Spanish investors and the Romanian business environment. Our mission is to facilitate connections, provide market intelligence, and support companies throughout their investment journey.

We organize networking events and thematic conferences, helping Spanish businesses better understand local regulations, fiscal policies, and cultural dynamics. Also, we promote the image of the companies and the personnel, promoting ways for a better understanding of the law and regulations, keeping in touch with the good professionals on their fields.

We also collaborate closely with Romanian authorities to promote transparency and constructive dialogue between the public and private sectors.

The main challenges we help companies address are related to bureaucracy, local legal frameworks, and administrative procedures, as well as adapting to the specificities of the Romanian market. Through our network of experts and partners, we ensure that Spanish firms have access to reliable information, professional advice, and the right connections to thrive.

In your opinion, what opportunities exist for Romanian businesses to collaborate or partner with Spanish firms?

There are numerous opportunities for Romanian companies to develop mutually beneficial partnerships with Spanish firms. Spain is recognized for its expertise in renewable energy, infrastructure, agri-food technologies, and smart logistics, while Romania offers a vibrant industrial base, competitive costs, and access to EU and regional markets.

Joint ventures in manufacturing, technology exchange and partnership in infrastructure development could accelerate innovation in both directions. Additionally, Romanian exporters can leverage Spain’s strong distribution networks, opening new trade corridors.

I believe that collaboration between Spain and Romania should move beyond trade into co-creation and innovation, aligning with EU priorities for sustainability and technological competitiveness.

Looking forward, what are ASEMER’s strategic priorities for growing Spanish investments and business presence in Romania?

ASEMER’s strategic priorities for the coming years are centered around three pillars: sustainability, innovation, and connectivity.

We aim to attract a greater number of Spanish companies, particularly SMEs, to explore Romania as a destination for sustainable investment and regional expansion. We also plan to promote knowledge exchange in key areas such as renewable energy, digitalization, circular economy, and urban mobility.

Another important goal is to enhance visibility and dialogue between the Spanish and Romanian business communities. Through targeted initiatives — from business forums to sectoral studies — we want to position Romania as a trusted and strategic partner for Spanish investors.

Ultimately, our mission is to contribute to a more integrated European business ecosystem, where collaboration between Spain and Romania becomes a driver of innovation and shared prosperity.