This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Forum of China and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (China-CELAC Forum).

Over the past decade, China and its Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) partners have strengthened ties under the framework, furthering cooperation in trade, technology, and cultural exchange.

Expanding economic and trade cooperation

Since December 2024, container ships carrying Chilean cherries have arrived at major Chinese ports, marking the start of a festive shopping season before the Chinese New Year. Over 92 percent of Chile's cherry exports now come to China, its largest market. Similarly, Latin American products like Ecuadorian bananas, Nicaraguan honey, and Honduran white shrimp have become increasingly popular in China.

Pragmatic cooperation has also driven innovation. In January 2024, the Phoenix Park Industrial Estate, Latin America's first 5G-enabled eco-industrial park, opened in Trinidad and Tobago, supporting economic diversification. In November, Chancay Port in Peru began operation, cutting shipping time to Asia, reducing logistics costs, and creating jobs, becoming a new growth engine for Peru.

Advancing technological partnerships

Meanwhile, China-Latin America technological collaboration has deepened, spanning aerospace, healthcare, agriculture, and energy. 

Key initiatives include the China-LAC Sustainable Food Innovation Center and the China-LAC Technology Transfer Center, which foster innovation and knowledge sharing.

China and Argentina's joint deep space exploration station has supported missions like "Chang'e 4" and "Tianwen 1," while the China-Brazil Earth-Resources Satellite helps to safeguard the Amazon rainforest and exemplifies South-South cooperation. Technologies such as blockchain, fintech, and digital twins are also bolstering Latin American startups, creating significant societal impacts.

Strengthening people-to-people ties

Over the decade, cultural exchanges under the framework have also flourished, deepening mutual understanding. This has led to the expansion of Chinese language programs, with 57 Confucius Institutes or Classrooms established in 26 Latin American countries.

China has also sent medical and agricultural experts to the region, promoting "small and beautiful" livelihood projects like bamboo and mushroom grass, contributing to local development and revitalization.

As the forum celebrates a decade of progress, its initiatives continue to strengthen the cooperation between China and LAC countries, fostering shared growth and innovation.