Photo courtesy of Anadolu
China and Ecuador agreed to expand economic and trade cooperation after Chinese Premier Li Qiang met Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa in Beijing on Wednesday.
Li said Beijing wanted closer coordination with Quito, stronger political trust and broader cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Chinese premier also called for fuller implementation of the China-Ecuador free trade agreement and for bilateral trade to expand further.
China is looking to deepen cooperation in established sectors such as energy, mining and infrastructure while opening more opportunities in newer fields including 5G technology and artificial intelligence.
Li also encouraged greater imports of Ecuadorian agricultural and food products and urged Chinese companies to explore more investment opportunities in the South American country.
Noboa, meanwhile, pushed for greater use of the bilateral trade agreement to create jobs, attract investment and increase Ecuadorian exports to China.
Ecuador identified bananas, shrimp, cocoa, coffee and flowers among products it wants to sell more widely in the Chinese market. It also sought stronger coordination on shrimp exports and market access for avocados, blueberries, pineapples and poultry.
The meeting ended with the signing of cooperation agreements covering green industry, trade, the digital economy and public welfare. Noboa is in China for a state visit from Aug. 16 to 23 as part of a broader trip across Asia.