Li calls for upgraded China-Latin American cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (2nd R rear) meets with heads of delegations attending the first ministerial meeting of the Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 9, 2015. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday called for upgraded cooperation between China and Latin American countries, and a fair competition environment for Chinese goods.

"The two sides should innovate; promote cooperation in such areas as trade, investment and finance; and upgrade the current substantial cooperation to realize reciprocity," Li said in a meeting with delegates to the first ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) forum.

He said China has the advantage of capacity in areas including infrastructure and equipment manufacturing. China was ready to cooperate with Latin American countries in these areas.

Li called on Latin American countries to provide a fair competition environment and impartial legal protection for Chinese goods such as equipment entering local markets.

"China can maintain economic growth of medium-to-high speed. This will provide more opportunities in the market, investment and growth for other countries," he said.

The premier also called for more exchanges and cooperation between China and Latin American countries, saying the people-to-people communication is conducive to both sides, as well as regional and world's development and prosperity.

The chief delegates thanked for China's successful host of the first ministerial meeting, saying the meeting laid foundation for Latin American countries and China to establish a new partnership in the new era.

They said the progress of Latin America-China relations brought concrete benefits for the two peoples. They also voiced willingness to further promote the relations and cooperation with China.