Latin American and Caribbean countries need to deepen their collaboration with China to boost development in the region, according to many academic specialists attending a forum in Mexico City this week.
The Third Latin America, Caribbean and China International Seminar, organized by the Academic Network Latin America, Caribbean and China (RED ALC-China), convened researchers, academics, international institutions, enterprises, NGOs, government agencies and students to discuss common challenges facing the region.
Enrique Dussel Peters, professor of the China-Mexico Studies Center at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, stressed the urgent need for short-term and medium-term cooperation with China, because "China is now a significant investor in Latin America." Peters mentioned areas of Latin America in dire need of infrastructure, saying it is important to analyze dozens of infrastructure projects supported by China in detail. This would bring "a historic opportunity" of investments in not only infrastructure, but also innovation and human resources in these areas, raising the region's productivity and competitiveness, according to Peters.
Yuan Li, a specialist in international development at the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (FUNGLODE), advocated that China and the Caribbean need to bring their relations to a higher level comprehensively. "This would be a huge benefit for the Caribbean, allowing it to improve infrastructure, diversify its exports and stimulate commercial alliances and partnerships," Yuan said.
Yuan cited the case of Dominican Republic, where FUNGLODE is based, as an example - China's presence there can be felt, but more could be expected on sectors such as tourism, according to Yuan.
In the eyes of Ricardo Roman Chang, an analyst in Mexico-China relations, collaboration with the government is important. "Academic contacts are necessary, but the biggest boost of relations can only come from governments," Chang said.
Chang also suggested that "a special think tank to develop new long-term objectives with China before these are debated by lawmakers" is needed in Mexico.
The RED ALC-China was created in 2012 and has quickly become a reputable research forum to discuss progress of multilateral ties. The forum's topics this year also include Chinese learning in the region and Spanish learning in China, the challenge of migration, and the management of environment and natural resources.
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