Representatives from China, Latin American, Caribbean countries gather to discuss infrastructure cooperation

Representatives from China and Latin American and Caribbean countries have gathered at the 10th China-LAC Infrastructure Forum that started on Thursday in Macao to share their experiences and explore new areas of cooperation in the field of infrastructure.

The forum was held as part of the 15th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum in Macao, which ran from June 19 to 21.

On the 10th anniversary of the forum, the event focused on low-carbon and intelligent infrastructure transformation between China and LAC countries.

Guo Tingting, China's vice minister of commerce, said in her opening speech at the forum that over the past decade, with the joint efforts of both sides, China-LAC economic and trade cooperation has withstood various risks and tests and achieved positive results.

"Latin America is China's third biggest overseas market for infrastructure contract works. So far, Chinese companies have signed over 280 billion U.S. dollars worth of infrastructure contract works in Latin America and completed a turnover of over 180 billion U.S. dollars. Chinese companies actively participate in local construction in Latin America and continue to increase their investment in new areas such as new energy, rail transit, and 5G communications," Guo said.

Looking ahead, Guo said China will strengthen development strategies and communication and explore new models of infrastructure cooperation with Latin America.

Guo also noted that China will also sign cooperation agreements with Latin America on areas like green development, as well as jointly promote technological innovation and low-carbon transformation.

In his opening speech, William Duguid, senior minister of Office of the Prime Minister of Barbados, said that China's technology and expertise have helped LAC countries improve the quantity and quality of infrastructure at an unprecedented rate.

"As we look towards the future, it is evident that green and digital infrastructure will play a pivotal role in our development strategies. The Latin American countries are poised for tremendous growth in these areas, and China's technological prowess can effectively meet these evolving needs," he said.

Meanwhile, Fidel Grant, Minister at Ministry of Public works, Public Utilities and Digital Economy of the Commwealth of Dominica, said his country is looking to develop its digital economy and a smart city that would incorporate technology to manage traffic and increase security.

He also mentioned that financing is a main challenge for green transformation.

This was echoed by Clement Antonio, a senator from Antigua and Barbuda, who, in another session, said technological integration and balancing government needs with environmental preservation are also challenges.

For Chinese enterprises looking to cooperate with LAC countries on infrastructure development, Antonio suggested focusing on understanding cultural nuances and engaging with local communities to foster trust and collaboration.

Meanwhile, some other LAC representatives shared about on-going infrastructure projects in their countries and expressed hope for more cooperation with China on these projects.

Representatives from China, Latin American, Caribbean countries gather to discuss infrastructure cooperation

Representatives from China, Latin American, Caribbean countries gather to discuss infrastructure cooperation

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended a commemorative luncheon on the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and delivered a speech in Beijing on Friday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said Chinese President Xi Jinping's important speech at the Conference Marking the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence has profound significance for drawing historic wisdom from the Five Principles and pooling consensus and synergy in tackling global challenges.

At a historic juncture of today's world, President Xi proposed the major vision of Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, which is the most effective move to sustain, promote and upgrade the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence under the new circumstances, Wang said, noting that both the Five Principles and Xi's vision are innovative explorations on state-to-state relations.

Participants at the commemorative event stated that the vision of Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind proposed by President Xi Jinping is a development, innovation and upgrade of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and the new measures for supporting Global South cooperation announced by Xi will add strong driving force for the promotion of solidarity and development of developing countries.

Initially put forth by then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai seven decades ago, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence are "mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence" .

Over the past seven decades, they have been widely accepted and recognized by countries across the world and have become basic norms governing international relations and fundamental principles of international law.

Chinese FM attends commemorative luncheon on 70th anniversary of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence