CARACAS — The 5th Technical Secretariat of the Mixed Venezuela-China High Level Committee (CMAN) began here in the Venezuelan capital on Aug 15, seeking to move forward important bilateral issues.

During the opening ceremony, Venezuelan Minister for Planning and Knowledge Ricardo Menendez greeted the Chinese delegation led by Wu Hongliang, secretary of CMAN, and Zhao Bentang, Chinese Ambassador to Venezuela.

At a press conference, Menendez said the meeting would tackle important topics, including new Chinese vehicles entering the Venezuelan distribution sector, the boosting of logistical capacity and the setting-up of Chinese production lines in Venezuela.

“We have seen with deep gratitude the initiatives the Chinese government has shown us,” said the minister, adding that the Asian giant has helped Venezuela particularly in the oil industry and in terms of foreign exchange.

The technical secretariat will also begin a five-month working process where the two countries will advance on topics such as joint financing, cooperation in oil and mining, and electrical energy.

Venezuela will also introduce to China some of the engines of its Bolivarian Economic Agenda, specifically for hydrocarbons, agriculture and mining.

Both delegations will travel outside Caracas to take in progress on key policies of the Venezuelan government, including the Great New Tricolor Neighborhood Mission and the Great Venezuela Housing Mission.

Venezuela will also present its new distribution plan to ensure the supply of food and medicine in the country.

This CMAN meeting will also serve as a preparatory meeting for the countries’ 15th meeting of the Venezuela-China High-Level Mixed Committee, set to happen in late 2016.