Since diplomatic ties were established in June last year, bilateral cooperation between China and Panama has truly taken off. Case in point? Panamanian students in northeastern China are gearing up for some exciting careers.
Genesis Vasquez Almanza, a 22-year-old undergraduate at Dalian Maritime University, is one of them. She came to China to study three years ago, thanks to recommendations from her close friends.
"The first year was good, it wasn't that much about my major, the 2nd year got difficult but I could handle it. This year...it is hard, but I think I can make it," Genesis told CGTN.
Genesis (left) rom Panama speaks to a CGTN reporter. /CGTN Photo
A bastion of seafaring talent, Dalian Maritime University helps train thousands of students who now work actively in oceanic industries. As for Genesis, her firsthand experience of studying in China will be a big plus when she enters the job market back home.
After establishing diplomatic ties, Panama and China have made significant progress in areas like investment, trade, civil aviation and maritime transport.
Last year, Panama received "most favored nation" status from China with regard to access to Chinese ports. And this August, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to promote and facilitate maritime transport between the two sides. With a major in logistics and engineering, Genesis is quite confident about her future.
Zhao Youtao, vice chancellor of Dalian Maritime University. /CGTN Photo
The cooperation between both countries is not limited to maritime matters. Human Resources and education are two other common strengths. The Chinese government says it is willing to honor Panama's elites like Genesis with full scholarships.
"I think it is a very good field, we have the (Panama) canal, and now the relationship with China...So the greatest accomplishment I will have after graduation is the language and experience of studying in China," she said.
Genesis from Panama is learning Chinese calligraphy. /CGTN Photo
"Scholarships for Panamanian students were funded by China's ministry of transportation. Every year for the next five years, five to eight students from Panama will be selected by Panama's ministry of maritime affairs for full-ride scholarships in our university," Zhao Youtao, vice chancellor of Dalian Maritime University, told CGTN.
According to the China-Panama Maritime Agreement signed last November, the two countries will continue to expand in-depth cooperation in maritime transportation, maritime affairs and transportation infrastructure. And future career opportunities for young Panamanian talents will be there for the taking.