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TOP CHINESE OFFICIAL OPTIMISTIC ABOUT FUTURE OF
RELATIONS BETWEEN CHINA AND COUNTRIES OF THE AMERICAS

Saying he remains “fully confident in the future of our cooperation,” the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress, Cheng Siwei, today urged continued discussions between his country and Latin America and the Caribbean, in a bid to further develop economic and trade ties.
In his keynote presentation at the monthly conference in the Organization of American States (OAS) Lecture Series of the Americas, Mr. Cheng suggested stable trade growth, broader mutual investments and more experience-sharing among important ways to boost relations between his country and those of Latin America and the Caribbean.
OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza opened the conference and welcomed the Chinese dignitary, who spoke on the topic “China and Latin America and the Caribbean: A Promising Future.” Permanent Council Chairman Ambassador Izben Williams of Saint Kitts and Nevis introduced Mr. Cheng to the audience gathered at OAS headquarters and to those following the lecture that was broadcast live throughout the Americas by radio, television and over the Internet.
According to Cheng, who also heads the China-Latin America Friendship Association, the OAS sub-region of countries and China should “keep tapping the potential” of mutual assistance and cooperation, broaden mutual investment, “and strive to become each other’s major investment destination in the not-too-distant future.” He argued that deeper relations also call for stronger mutual communication to address any trade frictions. “It is important that disputes are approached and addressed through different channels, including the political, economic and diplomatic ones and at multiple levels such as government, enterprise and intermediaries in accordance with WTO rules,” he said, referring to the World Trade Organization.
Cheng underscored the importance China places on its relations with Latin American and Caribbean countries, “as evidenced by frequent personal exchanges between our two sides.” He cited high-profile visits to the region by China’s leaders, including President Hu Jintao’s visits in November 2004 and Vice President Zeng Qinghong’s last January. He said political cooperation between China and this region is based on three main elements: similar status as developing nations; common history of striving for national independence; and shared aspirations for world peace and common development.
Cheng said “in recent years, the trade volume between China and Latin American and Caribbean countries has been growing at an annual rate of 38%.” By the end of 2004, exports and imports together totaled some US$40 billion, he said, adding that under its “go global” strategy, China is now encouraging its investors to invest and develop businesses abroad. Cheng highlighted the role of nongovernmental exchanges, including those fostered by the Friendship Association he heads.

In his welcoming remarks, the Secretary General expressed appreciation for the Chinese government’s support to the OAS, as well as a deep admiration for China’s impressive development. “Relations between our countries and the Peoples Republic of China have been growing at a significant pace over the last few years,” said Insulza.
Following Cheng’s keynote address, a panel of experts explored the key issues raised. The panel comprised Brian Bachner, a China Specialist at the US Library of Congress and Alex Foxley, Commercial Attaché at the Embassy of Chile in Washington. Irene Klinger, Coordinator of the Lecture Series, moderated the panel discussion.

The Lecture Series of the Americas was created by the OAS Permanent Council to promote democratic principles and values in the countries of the hemisphere by hosting monthly conferences with internationally known speakers on key issues of the hemispheric agenda, such as the strengthening of democracy, human rights, social development, hemispheric security and the fight against poverty.

This year’s conferences have been held thanks to a financial contribution from Peru’s San Martín de Porres University and support from the governments of the People’s Republic of China and the Hellenic Republic.

Earlier on Tuesday, Secretary General Insulza and the San Martin de Porres University’s Rector, José Antonio Chang Escobedo, signed an agreement for the University’s sponsorship of the monthly Lecture Series of the Americas for next year.

Reference: E-281/05