Catalan President Salvador Illa has pointed to Singapore's public housing system as a model worth studying as Catalonia looks for ideas that could be relevant in Europe. During his latest Asia visit, Illa highlighted housing as one area where Singapore's experience may offer practical lessons for policymakers.
The trip also fits into a broader push to strengthen Catalonia's links with Asia. According to the report, this is Illa's third visit to the region since taking office in 2024, after earlier trips to Japan, South Korea and China. He has described Asia as a central part of Catalonia's external strategy.
Beyond housing, Illa is seeking deeper economic cooperation with Asian partners in several sectors. Those include logistics, technology, agri-food and air connectivity, all of which are important to Catalonia's trade and international business ambitions.
The visit suggests Catalonia wants to pair policy learning with commercial outreach as it expands its presence in Asia. By focusing on both urban policy ideas and business ties, Illa is signaling a wider effort to connect Catalonia more closely with fast-growing Asian economies.
