Premier Li Keqiang gave several suggestions on upgrading the China-Chile relationship, including deepening cooperation in finance and the free trade deal when meeting with Chilean President Michelle Bachelet on May 25 in Santiago.

The Premier delivered President Xi Jinping’s greetings to Bachelet and praised Chile for taking the lead in developing relations with China.

China is willing to boost political mutual trust, practical cooperation and cultural exchanges with Chile on the basis of mutual respect and interests, in order to accelerate the development of the bilateral strategic partnership and benefiting the people, Li said.

During their meeting, he put forward six suggestions for upgrading the China-Chile cooperation:

First, to fully release the dividends of free trade deal by jointly implementing the action plan and promoting the upgrade of the deal.

Second, to deepen financial cooperation by offering financial services and support for production capacity cooperation between China and Chile, as well as Latin America, making Chile the important gateway of China-Latin America capacity cooperation.

Third, to boost investment and cooperation in the two countries’ competitive industries by speeding up the construction of the China-Chile demonstration farm, and conducting cooperation on agricultural technology and food processing. Chinese enterprises are encouraged to invest in construction of Chile’s wind power plants and hydropower stations, in order to make breakthroughs in capacity cooperation.

Fourth, to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure construction. The Chinese government will assist Chinese companies in cooperating with Chilean counterparts in the tunnel project that connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

Fifth, to increase communication and coordination in international and regional affairs, thus contributing development of the two nations as well as global peace and stability.

Sixth, to enhance cultural exchanges by taking opportunity of the culture year and culture week activities.

Bachelet said Li’s visit bears historic significance and will boost greater progress of the Chile-China relationship upon the 45th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties.

Chile is willing to work with China to upgrade bilateral trade and economic cooperation and ease Chinese investment, she said.

The Chilean president suggested both countries tap the potential of production capacity cooperation in areas such as mining and renewable energy and welcomed Chinese enterprises in Chile’s infrastructure construction.

Bachelet said China and Chile could increase financial cooperation, making Chile a renminbi clearing center in Latin America.

She also suggested that Chile and China promote cooperation in agriculture and technological innovation, and expand cultural exchanges, thus pushing forward the bilateral strategic partnership.

Li and Bachelet also exchanged their views on international and regional issues of common concern.