China Daily Global Weekly

China, Argentina ties strengthen

Bilateral cooperatio­n emphasizes infrastruc­ture developmen­t, sustainabl­e investment­s

- By FERNANDO FAZZOLARI The author is coordinato­r of the Infrastruc­ture Commission of the Argentine-Chinese Chamber of Production, Industry and Commerce. The views do not necessaril­y represent those of China Daily.

China’s efforts to eradicate absolute poverty, promote developmen­t and social equity, achieve technologi­cal independen­ce, and improve public education and health care are incontrove­rtible proof that achieving these goals is not a utopian pursuit.

The Asian giant’s remarkable achievemen­ts have very strong economic consequenc­es worldwide.

China’s social and productive thrust is evident in South-South cooperatio­n and in the efforts of Chinese companies to help their counterpar­ts in the developing world to improve the quality of life in their respective countries, for which they require materials and resources, suitable talents, as well as infrastruc­ture and technologi­es.

In times of crisis like the one we are experienci­ng today, world leaders must take steps to deepen mutual trust. In this regard, the Belt and Road Initiative and the BRICS grouping should expand their scope.

The inclusion of Argentina in the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as probably in the BRICS (which comprises the major emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), could be part of global efforts to deepen trust between countries, in order to improve the quality of life of people throughout the world, as well as to strengthen trade and commercial relations.

Beyond the geopolitic­al connotatio­ns, Argentina and China are complement­ary economies, and their associatio­n can generate shared gains and promote social welfare.

Argentina is rich in natural and other resources, which can help meet part of China’s industrial needs. However, Argentina also needs to move up the global value chain.

As Coordinato­r of the Infrastruc­ture Commission of the ArgentineC­hinese Chamber of Production, Industry and Commerce, I have occasional­ly encountere­d some operationa­l difficulti­es when dealing with Chinese companies due to the centralize­d chain of command.

When the Chinese institutio­nal order meets Latin flexibilit­ies, misunderst­andings and delays are likely to occur.

That is why it is necessary to work hard to strengthen intercultu­ral relations and make management more flexible, which in turn will deepen cooperatio­n for shared benefit and promote the constructi­on of a more just and peaceful world.

The best way to bring Argentine and Chinese companies closer is to deepen trust between the two parties, so that they listen to each other’s problems and needs and work together to resolve the issues. This is important to promote business and entreprene­urship.

Chinese companies may be reluctant to invest in Argentina due to the country’s relative political instabilit­y and uncertain economic fallout. But investment­s of a strategic nature are necessary to help maintain economic and political stability in Argentina.

Regarding the permanent changes in direction of the Argentine economy, the country must seek the advice of experts in the technologi­cal, economic and political fields, in order to promote economic developmen­t.

It is also important to adopt policies that can be more easily applied in different local conditions. At the same time, it is necessary to understand the real conditions of a country that has a high literacy rate and great adaptabili­ty to change.

Trust and friendship are the best way for Chinese companies to integrate with the economies of Latin American countries.

The possibilit­ies are huge for Chinese companies to collaborat­e with their Latin American counterpar­ts in different fields and gain advantages in all sectors.

In his report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China on October 16, CPC Central Committee General Secretary Xi Jinping urged the world to deepen cooperatio­n and follow the right path of global developmen­t with the goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

This is the best way to achieve common benefits, promote peace and progress, strengthen security and uphold multilater­alism.

Xi has proposed a new developmen­t paradigm, which is beneficial to all. The goal of global developmen­t should be beneficial to people around the world and aim to make global governance equitable.

China has establishe­d cooperatio­n with Argentina in different areas, particular­ly in the developmen­t of infrastruc­ture, and sustainabl­e investment­s, which will help the Latin American country to integrate its economic developmen­t with the rest of the world, the same as all of Latin America.

Ultimately, a relationsh­ip of mutual benefit and mutual respect will serve the interests of all.

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