11:33, 22-Jan-2018
China-CELAC Forum: Latin American and Caribbean nations promote ties with China
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is in Chile for a forum on relations between China and Latin American and Caribbean nations. As CGTN's Joel Richards reports, on the agenda is expanding the Belt and Road Initiative across the Pacific Ocean.
JOEL RICHARDS SANTIAGO "This China-CELAC Forum has brought ministers from 24 countries here to Santiago to discuss the future of trade and investment, as well as broader relations, between China and the region."
It's the second ministerial meeting, the first was in Beijing in 2015.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Chilean counterpart Heraldo Muñoz early this afternoon. More talks are scheduled for this evening. Wang Yi is also due to meet with the President-elect Sebastian Piñera.
Analysts say this forum could set in motion efforts to increase cooperation between China and Latin America. Exports from this region to China increased significantly last year.
There are opportunities for large scale infrastructure projects which many observers point out are vital for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Another key focus of this forum is innovation - and how China and Latin America can work together.
On Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also attend the Latin American Entrepreneurs Council before continuing on his official visit to Uruguay. Joel Richards, CGTN, Santiago.