LatAm should actively participate in Belt and Road: Chilean ambassador

Latin American countries should actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative as an effective way to boost south-south connection and cooperation, Chilean ambassador to China Jorge Heine told Xinhua.

Jorge made the remarks ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's week-long state visit to Ecuador, Peru and Chile from Nov.17 to 23. During the visit, Xi will attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting from Nov. 19 to 20 in Lima, capital city of Peru.

"Chinese capital and technology will help Latin America improve its infrastructure, industry and connectivity," Jorge said, adding that Chile hopes to attract Chinese investment and boost cooperation with China in digital technology.

Official data showed that two-way trade volume between China and Chile reached over 31.885 billion U.S. dollars in 2015.

"The Belt and Road Initiative and Xi's upcoming visit is of great significance and will boost two-way cooperation in politics, economy and trade, as well as culture," the ambassador said.

China and Chile have maintained close relations for a long time. Chile was the first South American nation to forge diplomatic ties with China, the first Latin American country to acknowledge China's complete market economy status and the first to sign a free trade agreement with China.

The Belt and Road Initiative, consisting of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and proposed by Xi in 2013, has brought together over 100 countries and international organizations in Asia, Europe and Africa via land and maritime networks.

The initiative is part of China's efforts to provide public goods and honor international responsibilities that are commensurate with its status as a global power. Endi