Costa Rican president eyes closer China-Latin America ties

The president of Costa Rica called for the advancement of China-Latin America ties during a meeting of entrepreneurs held in Beijing on Wednesday.

President Luis Guillermo Solis said the two sides should grasp opportunities to reinforce current achievements and create conditions to strengthen cooperation in multiple fields.

He held talks on a strategic partnership with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday.

Given the current trends, China will become the largest trade partner of Latin America in 15 years, Solis said.

Chinese merchandise, including textiles, home appliances, cell phones and automobiles, prevailed in Latin America, while mineral products and farm produce from Latin America are increasing in China, Solis said.

He said he hopes the region will attract more Chinese investment in technology transfer and the high added-value manufacturing sector, as the United States, its top investor, focuses on a few sectors such as resources and energy.

China is the second-largest trade partner and the third-largest investor for Latin America.

Bilateral trade between the two sides totaled 241.9 billion U.S. dollars in the first 11 months of 2014, data from the China Council for The Promotion of International Trade showed.

In addition to trade, Solis said he hopes collaboration in culture, education and society will also push forward China-Latin America ties.