Caribbean, Latin America beckon investors

As Chinese investors get more knowledge of Caribbean and Latin American destinations, investments in these areas will quickly increase in the coming years, said the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

"Chinese companies are upgrading their industries and eager to tap emerging markets, including the Caribbean and Latin America, which have rich natural resources and steady economic growth in recent years. Chinese investments will center on tourism, agribusiness and infrastructure, in which Chinese investors have a competitive edge regarding capital, technology and management," said Jia Huai, deputy director-general of the economic information department of the international trade promotion council.

There is great interest in the Caribbean in attracting Chinese investments and great opportunities in housing development and infrastructure, said Lestroy Samuel, president of the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies.

Diana Pita Rodriguez, economic and commercial counsellor of the Peruvian embassy in China urged Chinese investors to think about the infrastructure industry as well as the country's mining, fishing and tourism.

Peru is attracting foreign investments in several major projects, including a highway connecting a north-south highway traversing the country, with an investment of $3.8 billion. A 35-km electrical communication system is being planned to connect the 12 districts of Lima, capital of Peru, with an investment of $3 billion.