Wuhan event links up with Latin America, Carribean

A promotional event for Hubei-LAC Trade & Investment was held in Wuhan, Hubei province, on Wednesday. The first collective delegation of envoys to China, comprising 34 representatives from 21 countries, talked with representatives of more than 70 enterprises in Hubei face to face.

Zhao Haishan, a vice-governor of the province, said that last year was extraordinary, difficult and unforgettable for Hubei. With strong support from all over the world, including Latin American and Carribean countries, Hubei launched a vigorous battle against COVID-19. Cooperation between Hubei and LAC countries has a long history and deep roots. Hubei will open its doors wider to the world and optimize the business environment, deepening cooperation with LAC countries.

Cai Wei, head of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the people of Hubei had won three battles last year — against the pandemic, floods and poverty.

There are now broad prospects for cooperation in the fields of economy, investment, humanities and education between China and LAC countries, Cai said.

Fernando Lugris, Uruguay's ambassador to China, said the Uruguayan government regarded relations with China as a key strategy for sustainable development. The delegation of envoys is willing to help Hubei build stronger friendship with relative countries, Lugris said.

Qiu Weiji, Jamaica's ambassador to China, said that the conference would promote meaningful ties between Hubei and LAC countries, influencing the economy in the future. The economic systems of the two are highly complementary, so they should elevate the Hubei-LAC cooperation to a higher level together.

The representatives in China were active in discussion. They introduced the trade and investment cooperation policies of LAC countries and communicated with Hubei enterprises about how enterprises can better exploit markets, seize business opportunities and participate in the high-quality economic and social development of destination countries.

A video presenting the unique charm of 21 LAC countries in economy, science, education and other fields gave the audience a deeper understanding of the rich and beautiful LAC region and deepened the willingness of enterprises to cooperate. The video, which presented Hubei cuisine and local characteristics, left a deep impression on the representatives in China.

The representatives of LAC countries in China stressed that those countries would further strengthen cooperation with Hubei in trade, investment, science and technology. The conference also gave enterprises in Hubei a deeper understanding of the market demand for LAC countries.

With this information, enterprises can actively pursue integration into global industrial chains and enhance their advantages in international cooperation and competition, which will help build a new dual circulation development pattern for China.

Sun Siyan contributed to this story.