Xi's state visit pulls Latin America closer

President Xi Jinping has completed state visits to Ecuador, Peru and Chile.

He traveled to Latin America from Nov 16 to 23, also attending the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting on Nov 19 and 20.

Xi arrived at Quito, capital city of Ecuador, kicking off a state visit and his third trip to Latin America since he took office in 2013.

During his stay he held talks with his Ecuadorian counterpart Rafael Correa, discussing bilateral ties, China's relations with Latin America and international and regional issues.

In a joint statement, the presidents agreed to lift their relationship to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

They also agreed to boost cooperation in production, as well their economic and trade ties, and pledged to implement major projects in oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, water conservation, communications and finance. They also agreed to explore cooperation in agriculture, petrochemical industry, shipbuilding, metallurgy and paper-making.

Xi also met National Assembly President Gabriela Rivadeneira.

During their meeting, Xi said the countries needed to step up dialogues and exchanges between their legislative bodies to promote the steady development of the nations' strategic partnership.

He also paid a visit to the headquarters of ECU-911, Ecuador's national emergency response system, and promised further support for the earthquake-hit country in disaster relief and reconstruction.

After arriving in Peru, Xi announced several measures to share China's development opportunities with Latin American countries.

In a speech to the country's Congress, Xi said China would enhance technology transfers and boost human resource cooperation with the region.

In the next three years, China will train more Latin Americans in various fields and invite Latin American journalists to work and study in China, Xi said.

The president added that China has proposed a round-table discussion about environmental protection with Latin American countries next year.

He urged Chinese investors to respect local traditions, abide by the laws and shoulder their social responsibility in promoting employment when companies expand overseas.

On Nov 22, leaders of 21 Asia-Pacific economies ended their annual meeting with a joint pledge to resist protectionism amid signs of increased free-trade skepticism.

"We reaffirm our commitment to keep our markets open and to fight all forms of protectionism," the leaders of the APEC economies said in the joint statement.

Xi addressed the meeting, calling for the early establishment of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific or FTAAP, saying this would promote the economy of the Asia-Pacific region to a new level.

"We need to make it clear to the world with action that the commitment of the Asia-Pacific to economic globalization is unchanged and its confidence is undiminished," he added.

Xi finished his visit to Peru and flew to Chile on Nov 22. During his visit an announcement was made about upgrading the Free-Trade Agreement (FTA) between China and Chile.

According to a joint statement issued after Xi's meeting with his Chilean counterpart Michelle Bachelet, the two heads of state spoke highly of the results achieved over the past 10 years since their bilateral FTA went into effect.

The countries signed the agreement in 2005. Trade volume has grown fourfold since it went into effect in 2006. China is now Chile's largest trading partner, its largest export destination and the largest buyer of its copper products.

Currently, Chile is China's second- largest source of imported wine. The two countries have signed a number of quarantine agreements on cherries, blueberries and avocados.

China has become an important market for Chilean fruit and seafood such as salmon. Chinese products are also popular among Chilean consumers. Chinese-made cars have taken up a considerable share of the Chilean market.

renqi@chinadaily.com.cn