House speaker, Spanish consul general meet with focus on investment

Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez, left, and José María Muriel Palomino, the consul general of Spain in Puerto Rico

By THE STAR STAFF

Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez held a meeting late last week with José María Muriel Palomino, the consul general of Spain in Puerto Rico, with the purpose of promoting the island as an investment destination and the creation of new economic development projects focused on the export of goods and services.

“Puerto Rico is a unique investment destination for Spain,” the House speaker said. “We are the jurisdiction in the Caribbean with the greatest political stability, extensive port and airport infrastructure, many of which are currently being modernized, as well as a unique workforce that facilitates investment in both short- and long-term projects and the expansion of export agreements for products and services. That was our focus at the meeting.”

The hour-plus meeting took place last Friday in the legislative leader’s office.

“Puerto Rico’s appeal to Spanish investment is clear. We are the gateway from our nation, the United States, to the Americas and the Caribbean,” Méndez added. “Our goal was to promote our island’s talent in technology, mass production of medical products, and the feasibility of expanding them. We are the bridge, and that role allows for greater investment in Puerto Rico.” 

In addition, a number of large-scale projects focused on the tourism sector were discussed. Currently, there are 11 direct flights per week from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Carolina to Spain.

According to data from the Department of Economic Development and Commerce, Puerto Rico’s exports to Spain reached nearly $3.972 billion in 2025, an increase of 9.2% compared to the previous year, placing Spain as the second export destination for Puerto Rican goods and services.