China is definitively of vital importance to Peru, said Peruvian Minister of Interior Juan Jose Santivanez Antunez, in an interview with China Global Television Network on the occasion of the opening of the Chancay Port built with Chinese aid near the capital city of Lima.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Peruvian counterpart Dina Boluarte on Thursday attended the opening ceremony of the Chancay Port via video link.
The Chancay Port is located 80 kilometers north of Lima, and is a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative between China and Peru. After the port's entry into operation, the shipping time between China and Peru will be reduced to 23 days for a one-way trip, cutting logistics costs by more than 20 percent.
Xi arrived in Peru Thursday to pay a state visit to Peru and attend the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, which is scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Lima.
In the interview on the sidelines of the CEO Summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, the Peruvian minister said that as Peru develops an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership with China, he hopes that the development of bilateral relations will benefit both countries.
"China is definitively of vital importance to Peru. We have an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership with China and the inauguration of the Chancay Port is of great significance to Latin America. In addition, as relations between the two countries gradually strengthen, we hope that the relations can help realistically promote the development of Peru and China's rise in Latin America," he said.
He also said that Peru is cooperating with China and other countries around the world on security affairs in an attempt to promote development by reducing treats like transnational crimes.
"We cooperate with China and other countries around the world on security affairs. We believe we have to crack down on transnational crimes, which means intelligence agencies around the world and national police forces should work closely to contribute to the development of our countries," he said.
Peru’s minister of interior highlights China’s vital role in strengthening bilateral ties and regional development
The number of overseas exhibitors participating in the ongoing 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) has jumped 104 percent to a record high of 159 compared with that of the previous edition.
Airshow China, held in Zhuhai, a coastal city of south China's Guangdong Province, kicked off on Tuesday and will last through Sunday.
Romina Di Martino, office manager of Southern China, China-Italy Chamber of Commerce, has already participated in the China Airshow two times, and this year she leads a delegation of five Italian companies to the event.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), she said she was impressed with the show's development.
"I think this is the most important exhibition for aircraft companies. This is the third time for me to participate in this event. I think there are a lot more people than two years ago, and I see a lot of companies, and the technology has made a lot of progress. I think it is getting better and better," she said.
This year's airshow features a larger exhibition area and a higher new product launch rate than those of previous years' editions, making it an important platform for exchanges and partnership in the global aerospace industry, and bringing more cooperation possibilities to exhibitors at home and from abroad.
In separate interviews with China Central Television on the sidelines of the airshow, exhibitors said they are pleased to take part in the event.
"It's been a very important and prestigious show for us. So we are very happy and proud to be part of the China Airshow," said Gop Sundararajan, an exhibitor.
"The size of the airshow is surprising. I had no idea it would be this well attended. So many companies here, displaying their capabilities within that aero and defense markets. It's clearly big deal here. It's very exciting to be here," said Jeffrey Heflin, another exhibitor.
A large number of equipment products that debuted at the event left a deep impression on foreign exhibitors. They believe that Chinese products are intelligent and easy to use, are of high-quality and are reliable, which will bring more development opportunities to the global aviation industry.
Many said they look forward to tapping into the Chinese market.
"This is the first time for me and this is the first time CGR is exhibiting to the show. I mean I'm impressed because there are a lot of Chinese customers and suppliers that we don't know. So it's the first time for me to meet these people. The idea is to show and to promote our know-how and to participate and to support the Chinese suppliers on our expertise," said Jean Prosesse, an exhibitor.
"There is a lot of traffic. There is a lot of good conversations that we had. All positive so far, so I look forward to the rest of the day and for tomorrow," said Ali Saleh, another exhibitor.
One-fold more overseas exhibitors attend China Airshow
