Port of Algeciras Launches Trade Mission to Japan with Meetings at IAPH, the Spanish Embassy and ICEX
Port of Algeciras Kicks Off Trade Mission to Japan with Meetings with IAPH, the Spanish Embassy and ICEX
The institutional and business delegation, made up of representatives of the APBA, the Chamber of Commerce, Comport and 13 port community companies, holds its first meetings in Tokyo before presenting Algeciras’ maritime and logistics offering on Wednesday.
The Port of Algeciras delegation began its institutional and business agenda in Tokyo on Tuesday with meetings with the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the Spanish Embassy in Japan and representatives of ICEX. The trade mission, comprising institutional officials and 13 port community companies, aims to establish contacts with the Japanese maritime sector and showcase the logistics capabilities and services available across the port facilities of the Bay of Algeciras.
The first day began with a visit to the IAPH headquarters, where the Algeciras delegation met with its Secretary General, Masahiko Furuichi. The meeting addressed the main challenges and opportunities facing the international port industry.
The IAPH brings together port authorities and maritime-related organisations from different countries and drives initiatives on sustainability, technological transformation and the evolution of maritime transport and port operations.
The agenda continued with a meeting with the Spanish Ambassador to Japan, Íñigo de Palacio, and a working session with ICEX representatives and the Economic and Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy in Tokyo.
This meeting was devoted to analysing the characteristics of the Japanese market and the business opportunities it offers Spanish companies, particularly in maritime services, logistics and international transport.
The day also includes a business networking event aimed at facilitating contacts between the companies in the Algeciras delegation and representatives of the Japanese maritime sector.
The mission is led by the Chairman of the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras (APBA), Gerardo Landaluce; the President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Bay of Algeciras, Carlos Fenoy; and the President of the Comport port community, José Manuel Tejedor.
The business delegation comprises Pérez y Cía., BMT Repairs, Crosscomar, Elcome, Gibunco Ship Agency, Mertramar, Neko Ship Supply, Peninsula, ROSM, Sandvik Marine Electronics, Tanaval, Total Logistic Services and Zener Marine Elevator Services.
These companies operate across different segments of the maritime and port sector, including ship agency and ship supply, ship repair, technical services, marine electronics and logistics operations.
The centrepiece of the commercial programme will take place on Wednesday at the Spanish Embassy in Tokyo, where the Port Authority will present the features, infrastructure and services of the Port of Algeciras to representatives of the Japanese maritime community.
The event will bring together companies and operators from international shipping to promote the services offered by the Algeciras hub, located in the Strait of Gibraltar, at the crossroads of the shipping routes linking the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
The initiative forms part of the framework of trade relations between Spain and Japan. According to figures released by the APBA, Japan is the leading Asian investor in Spain and the second-largest destination for Spanish exports to Asia, which include agri-food products.
The mission is also backed by the Pyme Global programme, run by the Chamber of Commerce of the Bay of Algeciras and 85% co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cádiz Provincial Council.
This internationalisation support instrument enables small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to take part in trade initiatives in foreign markets through professional meetings, promotional activities and contacts with international operators.
Over the coming days, the delegation’s agenda will continue with further institutional and business activities, including participation in the TradeWinds Shipowners Forum Japan 2026, an international maritime industry event that will address decarbonisation, alternative fuels and the evolution of maritime transport.
SOURCE: EL ESTRECHO DIGITAL
