Dominican Republic and China strengthen ties through various sectors

Briunny Garabito, ambassador of the Dominican Republic to China said on Tuesday that his country's relationship with China, though relatively new, has been strengthened with the development of trade, investment and cooperation in various sectors.

In the new year, he hopes to bring China and the Caribbean country closer by promoting bilateral ties in all respects.

Speaking at a reception on the occasion of the 180th anniversary of the country's national independence in Beijing, Garabito said the two countries have jointly advanced bilateral trade since their establishment of diplomatic relations in 2018.

Last year, the two-way trade reached $4 trillion, establishing the Dominican Republic as China's main trading partner in the Caribbean region and China as the Dominican Republic's main Asian trading partner, he said.

According to the ambassador, there are around 20 Chinese companies in the Dominican Republic mainly concentrated in the mining, paper industry, medical equipment, and manufacturing sectors, among others.

"In addition, the authorities of the two countries have maintained continuous political contact through high-level meetings and calls always reaffirming recognition of the one-China principle," he said.

Last year, agreements have also been signed to establish friendly province-city relations between important cities and provinces in both countries. For example, Hunan province in central China and Santo Domingo, the capital of the Caribbean country, is a pair of sister province/city.

The ambassador said the government of the Dominican Republic will continue to strengthen cooperation, commercial and economic relations with the People's Republic of China and maintain its policy of encouraging Chinese investment in the country.

"Although the Dominican Republic and the People's Republic of China are 13,906 kilometers apart, we hope that in 2024 we can continue shortening this geographical distance through commercial and cultural presence, and the exchange between our nations," he said.