Zhuhai leader sees Hengqin as gain for Columbia

City Party Chief Guo Yuanqiang met with Andrés Pastrana Arango, former president of Colombia, on May 17, pledging that Zhuhai will fully support the Guangdong Hengqin Free Trade Zone as a portal for Latin American enterprises to enter China.

Guo also backed construction of Sino-Latin American Economic & Trade Cooperation Industrial Park and preparations for the China-Latin America International Fair. He said the city would provide convenience and services for Guangdong and Zhuhai-based enterprises to enter Latin American markets.

As a pioneer in Reform & Opening Up, Zhuhai is taking advantage of strong policy support and proximity to Hong Kong and Macao while becoming an economic hub with close trade ties with many countries and regions.

China-Latin America International Fair takes place in Hengqin in October [Photo by Li Jianshu / Zhuhai Daily]

Zhuhai is focused on innovation-driven development and closer ties with the outside world to seek further cooperation in broader fields. The city aims to take the lead in creating a higher level of open economy with law-based international and convenient business environments. Zhuhai is also supporting the building of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and enhancing its pivot role in the national Belt & Road Initiative.

Guo said he hoped the visit could boost cooperation between Zhuhai, Columbia, and other Latin American countries and regions.

Andrés Pastrana Arango said he had learned more about Zhuhai's development and advantages through the visit and also expressed his willingness to promote further exchanges and cooperation to achieve a win-win development to mutual benefit.