As an important economy in Central America and the Caribbean, Guatemala should build closer economic relationships with China for the country's future development, said Guatemalan former Minister of Economy Luis Velasquez.
In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Velasquez said China is an important trading partner for Guatemala, and Guatemala should strengthen its commercial presence at the promising Chinese market.
"As Guatemala is the most important economy in Central America and the Caribbean, meaning we have significant leadership, I believe the time has come for us to establish a closer relationship with the People's Republic of China. We can discuss various aspects, including trade, where over 38 percent of our imports already come from China. In that sense, we need to enhance our commercial engagement, attract significant capital investments so that companies from the People's Republic of China can set up operations in Guatemala, export throughout the Americas, and also to the world," said Velasquez.
China's rapid development has set an example for Guatemala, and establishing closer relations with China will promote the vigorous development of business and employment in Guatemala's socioeconomic fields such as trade, technology, culture, industry and services.
"China produces products for billions of people, which effectively lowers the cost of products so that the majority of the population can access them. Indigenous entrepreneurship could also benefit from closer ties, taking inspiration from some of the credit access models that the People's Republic of China has provided for the development and promotion of micro, small, and medium enterprises, and forming partnerships with cooperatives in Guatemala. There is great potential for trade, technology, culture, industry, and services," he said.
"We should send our youth to study Chinese, which will be useful in many Asian countries, and they can also learn technologies that can be effectively implemented in Guatemala to improve our competitiveness, efficiency, and effectiveness, thereby generating more wealth for the majority of Guatemalans and allowing us to export worldwide. There are a number of strengths and opportunities that we should capitalize on for the short, medium, and long term," he said.
Guatemala should build closer economic relationship with China: former minister
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
