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Interview: China-Argentina ties offer ample opportunities, says Argentine expert

Xinhua, December 20, 2016 Adjust font size:

The ties between Argentina and China present ample opportunities for bilateral trade and cooperation, which has become increasingly important amid the current global uncertainties, said an Argentine analyst.

Erika Imhof, who works for the Argentine Council for International Relations, an independent think-tank, told Xinhua in a recent interview that China's importance for Argentina has grown as the globe faces increasing uncertainties.

"If you keep in mind the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union and Donald Trump's victory in U.S. presidential elections ... both cases introduce a substantial amount of uncertainty into the global system," said the expert.

The raging unpredictabilities around the world sharply contrast "the political and economic stability that emanates" from China, said Imhof.

On Nov. 2, Argentine Foreign Affairs Minister Susana Malcorra presided over the relaunching of the National Committee for the Asia-Pacific, which was created in 1992 to promote Argentina's ties with Asia.

"Argentina could benefit from Chinese investment, mainly in energy and infrastructure, either through existing bilateral mechanisms, or other potential venues for regional or bilateral cooperation," said Imhof, referring to the Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the China-proposed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the BRICS New Development Bank.

In return, "Argentina could contribute to the development of China and and the Asian region, mainly in the area of food security, and also by supplying other products and services in the fields of sports, tourism or education," said Imhof.

"Argentina could contribute to the development of sports in China," she said, adding the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding in this aspect in 2006.

According to the expert, service trade accounts for about 18 percent of total trade in Argentina. She said that 35,000 Chinese travelers visited her country in 2015, and the government hopes to increase the number to 135,000 by 2019.

Imhof also said "Argentina has substantial experience" in education, especially in the teaching of Spanish as a second language to foreigners. The country can organize Spanish tests and issue certificates of language proficiency, known as CELU, which has been internationally recognized.

In 2017, the two countries should "make the most of two key events" -- the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and Argentine President Mauricio Macri's state visit to China -- to further bilateral ties, said Imhof. Endi