Partnership with China a golden opportunity – World

China’s experience in developing green, sustainable and digital infrastructure projects can provide valuable inspiration for countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, or LAC, speakers at the 10th China-LAC Infrastructure Forum said.

Against the backdrop of the green transition, LAC countries have witnessed a major increase in their sustainable and digital infrastructure needs, they said.

China’s technological advantages and experiences in areas such as new energy, 5G and artificial intelligence can help meet the LAC countries’ demands for infrastructure development, and improve both the quantity and quality of their energy and improve digital infrastructure.

As part of the 15th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum in Macao from Wednesday to Friday, the LAC event focused on low-carbon and intelligent infrastructure transformation between China and LAC countries.

Collin D Croal, Guyana’s Minister of Housing and Water, said China is playing an important role in Guyana’s infrastructural development through active involvement in construction projects, financial support and bilateral agreements under programs such as the Belt and Road Initiative.

William F. Duguid, a senior minister in the Prime Minister’s Office of Barbados, said: “At this historic 10th anniversary forum, it is important to focus on the future we can build together.”

Beijing’s approach emphasizes the importance of long-term planning and sustainable commitment, he said, adding that inclusive development is at the core of its economic growth efforts.

Iris Mariel Budde Garcia, Secretary General of Honduras at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, said infrastructure and energy generation facilities are crucial for Honduras’ economic and social development, and China has rich construction experience in this field. She said her country hopes for close cooperation with China.

Clement Antonio, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Public Works, Lands and Urban Renewal of Antigua and Barbuda, said one of the country’s most pressing challenges today is climate change, as rising sea levels and increasingly severe storms threaten their threaten survival. technology and financial support provide a beacon of hope,” he said.

He said Caribbean countries view China as more than a partner. Chinese investment has fueled the modernization of ports, highways and energy infrastructure, crucially supporting their tourism-dependent economies.

Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Guo Tingting said that Chinese companies have so far signed engineering contracts worth more than US$280 billion in Latin America and their total turnover has exceeded US$180 billion.

Colombian Transport Minister William Camargo Triana said Chinese investments in Colombian infrastructure total $5.7 billion, including $925 million by 2023.

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