China's recently announced visa-free policy for five Latin American nations, including Peru, has triggered a wave of enthusiasm among locals to visit and learn more about China, while business representatives have also hailed the waiver as a promoter of new commercial, academic and investment opportunities, and a milestone in bilateral relations.
Holders of ordinary passports from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay will be granted visa-free entry on a trial basis starting from June 1, according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ordinary passports holders from these five countries, who come to China for the purposes of business, tourism, family visits, or exchanges and visits, and transits with stays for no more than 30 days, can enter China without a need to apply for a visa.
The visa-free policy has generated great enthusiasm among Peruvians, who see this measure as an opportunity to boost tourism, strengthen trade ties between the two countries.
"It gives us more opportunities to travel to the country, to visit it, to learn more about its culture or to start a business," said a Peruvian resident.
"It is very interesting, because it gives us the chance to go abroad and learn more about Chinese culture, see their technological and economic development that has come through decades of economic progress," said another resident.
Peruvians believe that this news is a great opportunity for those who have always dreamed of getting to know the Asian giant up close, as students and young professionals.
"I think it would be a good experience to travel there, to enjoy both the Chinese culture and tourist sites," said another resident.
"It is a very good opportunity for all Peruvians who are here, especially for those of us who have no facilities to go to other countries," said another resident.
Tourism associations in Peru expect the number of tourists traveling to China to grow significantly. And for the major foreign trade union in Peru, this visa exemption policy will also facilitate business travel and boost exports.
"It also includes business activities for up to 30 days, so this certainly has an important effect on the trade issue. Last year, our trade with China hit about 41 billion U.S. dollars. Just in the first quarter of this year, from January to March, there has already been an increase of about 32 percent. Trade and investment, especially large-scale ones, certainly require physical presence. No one invests significant amounts in places where they do not know. Hopefully, this free exchange of people or flows of people can trigger a new wave of Peruvian investments in China," said Luciano Paredes, manager of corporate affairs of ComexPeru.
In Peru, it is expected that in the future this measure will be accompanied by campaigns to promote Chinese destinations, considering that in this way China and Peru are taking another step towards a strategic relationship that promises mutual benefits.
Peruvians advocate for travel, economic opportunities brought by China's visa-free policy
Peruvians advocate for travel, economic opportunities brought by China's visa-free policy
