Chileans hope the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit 2026 will deliver tangible benefits and deepen cooperation with China in agriculture and trade sectors.
The summit, scheduled for Nov 17-18 in Shenzhen of south China's Guangdong Province under the theme "To Prosper and Win the Future Together," will draw political and business representatives from APEC economies.
Several leaders of APEC economies will deliver speeches or take part in panel discussions, and have direct exchanges with business leaders from across the region.
In interviews with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Chileans shared their views on APEC priorities, Chilean products that may find a foothold in China, and the impact of Chinese products on their daily lives.
According to interviewees, this year's APEC should prioritize economy, environment and energy issues as global concerns.
"I think that the most important issue nowadays is related to economy and environment. These are topics that are in the news and they change day by day," said Cristian Aguilar, a commercial manager.
"I think the energy issue is a primary one and should be treated accordingly. We should focus, once and for all, on the natural resources that we have. I was talking about oil specifically," said Jerko Alex Zarriqueta, a civil engineer.
The interviewees also saw opportunities to expand agricultural exports to China, expressing hope of further strengthening trade ties.
"Chile has a niche to position itself as an agri-food power. And because of that, I think food products should reach even more Chinese markets, just like wine," said Wilson Vera, an engineer.
They also noted the growing presence of Chinese vehicles and tech products in Chile, citing their advanced features and competitive prices.
"I think what has had a lot of impact today is the Chinese automotive sector. The sector has established itself here in the country and there is a wide range of Chinese brands, and the technology that came with it has been very popular among Chileans," said Aguilar.
"I think the impact of Chinese products here in Chile comes from the arrival of Chinese cars and technology. I think Chinese products today are high-tech and at an affordable price. And that makes for good competition. So I think the Chinese presence has had a positive impact here in Chile," said Vera.
Looking ahead, the interviewees called for closer cooperation in technological innovation, highlighting the potential to combine Chile's natural resources with China's technological strengths.
"I would love to see Chinese factories in Chile. I mean, chip components, lithium processed in Chile, because the raw materials are right here," said Zarriqueta.
"I think China and Chile should work together in the area of technology and innovation. I think we could develop this industry, specifically the lithium battery manufacturing industry," said Vera.
Chileans looking forward to APEC, further cooperation with China
