Peru China cooperation creates benefits for the two peoples (international forum)

Jointly building the "the Belt and Road" initiative is bringing development opportunities to Latin American countries, including Peru. In the process of high-quality co construction of the "the Belt and Road", Peru's infrastructure, scientific and technological innovation will usher in a new round of development climax, and people's livelihood will be improved

The friendship between Peru and China has a long history, and the relationship between the two countries has long been at the forefront of Latin American and Chinese relations. Since serving as a member of the Peruvian Congress, I have been closely following and committed to promoting the development of Peru China relations. I have witnessed the vigorous development of bilateral relations and deeply understand that the profound friendship between the two countries has not come easily.

China has been Peru's largest trading partner and largest export market for 10 consecutive years. Peru is China's fourth largest trading partner and second largest investment target in Latin America. In Peru, there are over 170 Chinese enterprises active in multiple industries, with an investment stock of approximately 30 billion US dollars. Chinese companies have brought advanced technology and management models to support Peru's economic development. A few years ago, I went to southern Peru for inspection, which attracted many Chinese companies to invest. These enterprises not only drive local employment, but also bring environmental protection technologies, making resource development more efficient and having less impact on the environment, which has been highly recognized by local residents. This win-win cooperation not only promotes economic growth in Peru, but also brings tangible benefits to local residents.

Qian Kaigang is an important project for China and Peru to jointly build the "the Belt and Road". "From Qian Kaigang to Shanghai" has become a popular phrase. This project will make Peru an important logistics hub in South America, greatly enhancing Peru's foreign trade capabilities and helping Peruvian products enter the global market more conveniently. Since the implementation of the project, thousands of job opportunities have been created for the local area, directly driving economic growth.

During President Xi Jinping's visit, Peru and China signed the Protocol to Upgrade the Peru China Free Trade Agreement. In June of this year, the two countries announced the substantial completion of negotiations to upgrade the free trade agreement. Since the signing of the free trade agreement in 2009, the bilateral trade volume between Peru and China has steadily increased, with Peru's non-traditional trade exports to China, such as avocados and blueberries, growing by 227%. The upgrade of the free trade agreement will not only facilitate Peruvian small and medium-sized enterprises to enter the Chinese market more conveniently, but also help Chinese enterprises further expand their investment scale in Peru and promote the modernization of infrastructure such as railways and ports in Peru. The upgrading of the free trade agreement will also bring more opportunities for cooperation between the two countries' enterprises in the service sector, injecting new vitality into Peru's economic and social development.

Over the years, I have witnessed the steady development of the relationship between China and the United States. I have visited the famous Chinese community in Peru and personally experienced the charm of Chinese culture. Chinese restaurants are spread throughout Peru, and Chinese cuisine that combines Peruvian and Chinese flavors is deeply loved by the Peruvian people. This is not only the integration of food culture, but also represents the mutual understanding between the two peoples.

This year, a proposal I put forward was officially passed by the Peruvian Congress, and February 1st is designated as the "Day of Friendship between Peru and China" every year. This date was chosen because it is close to the Chinese Spring Festival, symbolizing warmth and unity, and implying that the friendship between the two countries is as warm as the festive Spring Festival. The establishment of the "Peru China Friendship Day" is also a recognition and appreciation of the contributions made by the Chinese community to the economic and social development of Peru. I believe that the "Secretarial China Friendship Day" will encourage the two peoples to cooperate more closely in the future.

I am full of confidence in the prospects of cooperation between China and the United States. Jointly building the "the Belt and Road" initiative is bringing development opportunities to Latin American countries, including Peru. In the process of high-quality joint construction of the "the Belt and Road", Peru's infrastructure, scientific and technological innovation will usher in a new round of development climax, and people's livelihood will be improved. The cooperation between China and Peru has great potential, not only for mutual benefit and win-win results between the two countries, but also reflects the efforts of countries in the global South to unite and seek common development. Peru and China will continue to work together to create more benefits for the two peoples and bring more positive energy for peace and development to the international community.

(The author is a Peruvian congressman and chairman of the Peru China Friendship Group)