16:12 | Beijing (China), Sep. 14.
President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski's visit to China, as well as protocol acts and gestures involved, mark the beginning of a new era in bilateral relations with the Asian Giant, former Peruvian Ambassador to Beijing Harold Forsyth said today.
The diplomat described Mr. Kuczynski's decision to visit China as a positive move.
He also highlighted the Head of State's personal invitation to counterpart Xi Jinping, given the emphasis placed by the Asian nation on "presidential diplomacy."
As is known, Chinese President Xi Jinping accepted the invitation to pay an official visit to Peru following his attendance to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum's Summit taking place in Lima this November.
“These immensely valuable gestures signal the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations with China […]. President Kuczynski's official visit takes place 40 days [after having taken office],” he pointed out.
“This is, undoubtedly, attributed to the level of bilateral relations. It usually takes over a year for a newly-appointed President to visit [China],” he stressed.
According to Forsyth, China's cultural influence in Peru is another factor contributing to bilateral ties: 8% of Peru's population are of Chinese descent.
“8% of Peruvians have some degree of Chinese blood running through their veins. This does not happen anywhere else, and it is not to be dismissed,” he noted.
Likewise, the ex-diplomat underlined the interest shown by China and the world in Pedro Pablo Kuczynski's election as Head of State due to his career, as well as his professional and intellectual prestige.
Thus, it is “highly likely” Peru will see a rise in Chinese investment inflow this year, particularly for infrastructure and railroad projects, given the Asian nation's deep interest in said sectors.
“It is about providing the necessary stimuli based on national interest. We also need to give our mining exporter status added value, more specifically, copper and other minerals,” Forsyth expressed.
He also stressed the need to further bolster tourism with China, as well as to boost air connectivity between both countries.
“It would be wonderful if at least one weekly flight could be implemented. That would provide enormous help to connect both countries' private sectors, which is fundamental. That is what the FTA is for: it is not for the government, but for entrepreneurs,” he observed.
Remarks were made during an interview with State-run TV Peru.
(END) MVF/CCR/DHT/MVB
Published: 9/14/2016