Mallorca: China’s rise fuels call for EU unity

Mallorca hosts a call for closer European ties: Spain’s ambassador says China’s rise is changing the balance of power. Rafael Dezcallar speaks on Thursday, 8 October, alongside former labour minister Manuel Pimentel at Diálogos para el Desarrollo. They also discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the Balearic economy.

China’s growing weight

Dezcallar says China’s share of world gross domestic product has grown from 1.2 per cent in 1978 to 18 per cent today. He links that shift to growing rivalry with the United States and says the US response is changing how the international order works.

He points to cuts in development aid, tariffs, world trade, relations with Europe and questions about the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Europe has relied on conditions that helped protect its security and prosperity, he says. He argues that European countries now need to work more closely together.

Spain’s risks and the future of farming

Pimentel says Spain is at a turning point after several years of growth. Although its economy has performed reasonably well, he warns of risks from inflation and debt.

He also expects major changes in farming as automation, machinery and biotechnology become more widely used. The challenge, he says, is to produce more with fewer resources.

Topics: Agriculture · Economy

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com