On 10 May 2023, the ASEAN Committee in Madrid (ACM), led by Dato Akmal Che Mustafa, the Malaysian Ambassador, as the rotating Chair of ACM (comprised of the Philippines, Viet Nam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand) had a meeting with high-level executives of the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, which was led by Mrs. Alicia Varela Donoso, Director-General of the Department of International Trade and Investment. Both sides discussed ways to promote trade and investment between Spain and ASEAN Member States.

On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Vosita Vorasaph, Ambassador of Thailand to Spain, emphasised the importance of enhancing trade and investment between ASEAN and the European Union, especially since the situation of COVID-19 has begun to ease. He invited Spain to consider sharing technology in the field of its expertise for the benefit of the ASEAN region. He then also asked for support from the Spanish side in reviving the Free Trade Agreement negotiations between Thailand and the European Union, which will also benefit Spain in utilising Thailand as a gateway to the ASEAN market.