Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Peruvian counterpart Dina Boluarte on Thursday attended the opening ceremony of the Chancay Port via video link.
Xi flew in earlier in the day to pay a state visit to Peru and attend the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.
The two heads of state listened to reports from the heads of transportation departments of both countries and watched a video presentation on the Chancay Port project. Representatives from both China and Peru at the project site reported to the two leaders, requesting authorization to commence port operations. The two heads of state gave the order, announcing opening of the port.
Xi extended his congratulations on the successful opening of the Chancay Port and expressed respect for the builders from both countries who overcame difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, worked together, and completed all tasks with high quality.
Noting that it is exciting and inspiring to see a modern port has been built in just a few years, Xi said the Chancay Port is not only a deep-water port but also South America's first smart and green port, which will bring significant benefits to Peru, create a large number of jobs, and strongly reinforce Peru's position as a gateway connecting land and sea, linking Asia and Latin America.
Over 2,000 years ago, ancestors of the Chinese nation set sail, braving rough seas to open up the Maritime Silk Road connecting the East and the West. More than 500 years ago, ancestors of the Peruvians, the Incas, fearlessly crossed towering mountains and built the Inca Trail, which spanned the Andes from north to south. Today, the Chancay Port is becoming a new starting point for the "Inca Trail of the New Era", according to Xi.
"From Chancay to Shanghai, what we are witnessing is not only the Belt and Road Initiative taking root in Peru, but also the birth of a new Asia-Latin America land-sea corridor in the new era. Let's work together, meet with the wider world from here at the Chancay Port, and steer the vessel of China-Peru friendship toward a better future," said Xi.
Xi called for concerted efforts from both sides to build, manage and operate the Chancay Port well, continuously improving its capacity, efficiency and the level of comprehensive services.
Xi urged efforts to actively explore the port's role in bolstering logistics, promoting trade with logistics, and industries with trade, so as to empower the Pacific Rim economies, including China and Peru in their pursuit of common prosperity based on the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.
Xi, Peruvian president attend Chancay Port opening ceremony via video
