Chancay Port will strongly consolidate Peru's position as a gateway that connects land and sea, Asia and Latin America, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday.

President Xi made the remarks when taking part in the opening ceremony of Chancay Port via video link with his Peruvian counterpart Dina Boluarte.

The Chinese president said the new deep-water port is the first smart and green port in Latin America, which, when completed, will bring Peru huge revenues and create a large number of jobs.  

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Xi urged joint efforts to continuously improve the port's transporting capacity and comprehensive service level, adding the two sides should adhere to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.

He also called for the common development of the Pacific Rim economies, including China and Peru, to be empowered, mutual benefits and a win-win situation in a wider space to be achieved, and a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction to be delivered to people of all countries.

Boluarte hailed the opening of the port as "a historic moment of pride for all Peruvians." 

Noting the grand project jointly built by China and Peru under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative marks a key step toward Peru's goal of building an international shipping and trade center, Boluarte said it will help Peru become an important gateway connecting Latin America and Asia and vigorously promote the integration and prosperity of the region.

The port will open a new chapter in Peru's economic development, further enhance Peru's competitiveness and bring more benefits to all Peruvians, Boluarte added. 

Located 80 kilometers north of Lima, the port will reduce the sea shipping time from Peru to China to 23 days, thus cutting logistics costs by at least 20 percent. It is expected to create over 8,000 direct jobs.

(With input from Xinhua)