China-CELAC Forum declared a ‘historic meeting’

APD NEWS

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On the eve of Monday’s official start of the China-CELAC Forum in Santiago, Chile’s Foreign Minister Heraldo Munoz told journalists this is “an historic event.” The first ministerial meeting to be held in Latin America will offer a road map of future relations between the region and China, with everything pointing to increasingly close ties between the two.

“In the past the sea separated us, but now it brings us together,” Munoz said on Sunday. “Technological advances mean that we are not only connected by land but also by sea, air and now digitally.”'

Chile Foreign Minister Heraldo Munoz.

Improving connectivity to boost innovation is just one issue under discussion at this forum. There are plans for a fiber-optic cable crossing the Pacific to connect China with South America, with Chile hoping to be one of the hubs for this connection. “Digital connections mean that today Chileans buy goods from companies working in China using just their phone,” said Munoz. There is interest from both sides in developing electronic commerce.

Delegates in preliminary talks on Sunday, Santiago, Chile.

Trade between China and Latin America grew significantly last year, with the region’s exports growing by around 30 percent. Large-scale infrastructure projects are also one area where interest from both sides in advancing. Major projects are either under way – as in the case of the tunnel under the Andes Mountains connecting Argentina with Chile – or they are under discussion, such as the proposed high-speed train connecting the Chilean capital Santiago with the port city Valparaiso.

There are obstacles to large-scale projects developing faster than some would perhaps like. There are disputes between nations in this region – Munoz was asked about the land dispute between Chile and Bolivia at the International Court of Justice that is due to be heard in March. But the Chile Foreign Minister said “It is important that Latin American and Caribbean countries can talk, despite differences, about big issues like China.”

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Chilean counterpart ahead of office discussions, Santiago, Chile.

Munoz said there is a road map for future relations between the region and China. In addition to the Santiago Declaration on connectivity, infrastructure, energy and the environment, there will also be a special declaration regarding this region’s role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

(CGTN)