By Shen Jianqi, Henan Daily, November 14, 2024

Marking the tenth anniversary of the initiative to build a China-LAC community with a shared future, President Xi Jinping embarked on his visit to the LAC region this month. Though oceans apart, China and LAC have remained steadfast partners on their shared path toward modernization. A closer look at China-LAC cooperation unveils significant contributions from Henan.

LAC Flavors on Central Plains Tables

Cherries are now a top fruit favorite in autumn and winter. In recent years, batches of fresh cherries have flown from Chile to Zhengzhou Airport, making their way onto dining tables across Henan. "Over 20 years ago, we exported less than 10,000 tons of cherries, but now that figure has reached several hundred thousand tons, with nearly 90 percent going to China. Henan is located in China's heartland with distinct geographical advantages and comprehensive, convenient transportation infrastructure, positioning it to serve as a vital logistics hub connecting Chinese and LAC markets. The export of Chilean cherries has provided valuable experience for bilateral cooperation," remarked former Chilean President Eduardo Frei in an interview with this reporter.

Former Chilean President Eduardo Frei in an interview with Henan Daily

Equally popular is premium beef from the La Plata Plain. At the Zhongyuan Four Seasons Aquatic Products Logistics Port in Zhengzhou, beef from Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay is available in diverse varieties, with each box clearly labeled with origin, producer, and other information. These products arrive at the logistics port via cold chain transportation for distribution and are rapidly shipped nationwide. After inspecting the facility, Fernando Mattos, Uruguay's Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, was full of praise for its sophisticated logistics infrastructure and distribution efficiency. He noted, "The Belt and Road Initiative has brought our two countries closer together. Nearly 60 percent of Uruguay's meat exports go to China, and three provinces have already established practical cooperation with Henan in the agricultural sector. Uruguay will further diversify its products to continually meet the needs of Chinese consumers."

Historically, agricultural products such as chili peppers, peanuts, corn, potatoes, and pumpkins made their way from LAC to China, becoming staples in Chinese cuisine. Today, LAC products like Ecuadorian white shrimp, Peruvian blueberries, Chilean wine, and Mexican beer are once again crossing the ocean, enriching Chinese dining tables.

Henan Manufacturing in LAC

Early this year, 214 Yutong new energy buses were delivered to Chile, marking Yutong's largest single order of new energy buses in the LAC market. Ye Pengfei, Yutong's overseas customer manager, recalls that despite tight delivery schedules and regulatory differences, the team worked around the clock negotiating specifications with the client. Within three hours of the first batch's arrival, they completed pre-delivery inspections on 85 vehicles. The advanced new energy technology and quality service earned the brand an excellent reputation in Chile. Yutong buses entered the LAC market in 2003 and now has a cumulative fleet of over 25,000 vehicles in the region, with a sales network spanning more than 20 countries and territories. With market shares exceeding 90% in Cuba, Venezuela, and other markets, Yutong is truly the leading Chinese bus brand in LAC.

Yutong Chile YEA Launch Event

In 2016, CMOC acquired 100% of Anglo American's niobium and phosphate business in Brazil, becoming Brazil's second-largest phosphate fertilizer producer and the world's second-largest niobium producer. CITIC Heavy Industries and YTO Group maintain close cooperation with LAC countries in mining equipment, agricultural machinery, and other sectors. The strong performance of Henan enterprises "going global" has drawn greater attention from LAC countries to Henan. In August this year, the "Invest in LAC Countries & Briefing on the 17th China-LAC Business Summit" was held in Zhengzhou, where diplomatic envoys from 11 LAC countries presented their investment opportunities, extending invitations to Henan enterprises to "invest in LAC".

Deep Friendship Transcending Distance

In the first three quarters of this year, Henan's imports and exports with LAC reached 62.1 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 8.6%, ranking among the top growth rates of major foreign trade markets. Close economic and trade cooperation has deepened the friendship, with personnel exchanges flowing as naturally as visits between relatives. In 2018, the China (Henan)-LAC Countries International Cooperation Conference was held, with diplomatic envoys from 19 countries attending. In 2020, Henan hosted "Uruguay Week". In 2022, Uruguayan President Lacalle Pou delivered written remarks at the 6th Global Cross-Border E-Commerce Conference held in Zhengzhou. And in August this year, diplomatic envoys from LAC countries visited Henan in a group delegation.

"Invest in LAC Countries & Briefing on the 17th China-LAC Business Summit" held in Zhengzhou in August

Relations between countries thrive when there is friendship between their peoples. Henan's total number of sister cities in LAC also ranks among the highest in China. These sister cities include Mexico, Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Chile, Venezuela, and Uruguay. Guillermo López, Governor of Florida Department in Uruguay, noted that although cooperation with Henan only began in 2017, the similarities between the two sides and their aligned development philosophies have maintained close ties, and he believes their friendship will continue to deepen through mutually beneficial cooperation.

Friendship knows no bounds, and distance cannot diminish kinship. Though an ocean lies between them, a shared vision for development unites Henan and LAC, enabling them to transcend geographical barriers and advance together as partners.

{{ article.title }}