Chinese Premier Li Keqiang attends a welcoming ceremony held by Peruvian President Ollanta Humala in Lima, capital of Peru, on May 22 (XINHUA)
Meanwhile, made in China is also catching on in Brazil.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's second largest city, is at present readying itself for hosting the Olympic Games next year. The city must improve its public transportation conditions to accommodate swarms of fans and to herd both domestic and foreign visitors from sports venues to and from hotels and residences. Chinese companies have contributed by proffering their high-quality metro trains and automobiles for use.
During the Brazilian leg of his tour, Premier Li got on board the Chinese-made metro and ferry currently undergoing test runs in Rio. In 2013, Rio State Government bought seven ferries from China Shipping (Group) Co. to lift maritime transportation capacity of the coastal city. The first ferry made in China was put into use last year. CNR Corp. Ltd., China's leading locomotive and train producer, has finished delivering all of the 90 subway trains to Rio by May 25. These brand new metro carriages will be in service when the Olympic Games come around.
Chinese carmakers are also tapping potential in the Latin American market. For example, Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. opened a plant in Sao Paulo in 2014. JAC Motors also plans to expand investment in Brazil this year in response to the thriving market.
Chinese brand cars are increasing their presence in other Latin American countries as well.
Li Baorong, Chinese Ambassador to Chile, told People's Daily that he was surprised to see Chinese car brands on the streets when he first landed in the country.
Over 20 Chinese car brands have set up dealerships in Chile since the first one Haval SUV arrived on the scene in 2007. Chinese cars account for 15 percent of the market overall. Meanwhile, more and more goods from Chile are being exported to China. As much as 98 percent of blueberries and three quarters of cherries sold in the Chinese market come from Chile, Li said.
Chinese companies have not only brought China's technology to the Latin American market but also created job opportunities for locals.
Locals account for about 70 percent of employees in Chery's branch in Brazil, Peng Jian, General Manager of Chery Brazil, told Xinhua News Agency.
