Read in Catalan

The Catalan government is planning a new push of international activity. After the reopening of its main delegations in Europe and the US, now the foreign ministry under Alfred Bosch is preparing a new phase: increasing Catalonia's presence beyond Europe through both more trips and opening new offices in strategic locations.

In the coming weeks, the minister will present his department's new strategic plan including the specific timetable and locations for the new offices. That's according to department sources, who avoid specifying how many offices are to come, nor where they will be. They did, however, say they are giving special attention to Asia, notably China and Japan, and Central America, notably Mexico.

First, however, the minister is starting a new series of trips to establish contacts and improve relations. This Saturday, he is to travel to Mexico; a week later, he'll head to Washington. The minister's idea, according to department sources is to go on a tour of "five months, five continents", following his trip when he took office of "seven weeks, seven European councils".