Texas Strengthens Economic Partnership with Spain

Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) met with Spanish Ambassador to the United States Ángeles Moreno Bau at the Texas Capitol, where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the economic and cultural relationship between Spain and the Lone Star State.

During the meeting, Ambassador Moreno Bau expressed condolences to Texans impacted by the severe flooding that struck over the July 4th holiday weekend, drawing a connection to a similar disaster in Valencia last year.

The ambassador also highlighted Spain’s growing economic presence in Texas, citing more than 100 active Spanish investment projects in the state. These projects span critical sectors such as energy production, steel manufacturing, and infrastructure.

Governor Abbott praised Texas’s status as the top destination for foreign direct investment, adding that the state has led the nation in business relocations and expansion projects for 13 consecutive years.

The conversation also turned to the historical ties between Texas and Spain. Both leaders reflected on Spain’s lasting cultural influence, particularly in cities like San Antonio, where the San Antonio Missions, including the Alamo, represent key elements of the state’s Spanish colonial past. The missions were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015.

Economic data underscores the significance of the partnership. Since 2003, Spanish companies have invested $5.83 billion in 103 projects across Texas, generating nearly 8,000 jobs. In 2024 alone, trade between Texas and Spain totaled $10.1 billion. Texas accounted for 33.9% of all U.S. exports to Spain and 8.2% of U.S. imports from Spain.

Spain currently ranks as the eighth-largest source of foreign direct investment in Texas, a figure both sides hope to see grow.