Peruvian President Dina Boluarte: "Connectivity is the cornerstone of our progress"

Peru was one of the first Latin American countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. CMG reporter Zou Yun interviewed Peruvian President Dina Boluarte in Lima ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit from November 14-17. President Boluarte spoke about the importance of infrastructure development for Peru's progress and the opportunities for development under the Belt and Road Initiative.

In the interview, President Boluarte stressed that connectivity and infrastructure are key to Peru's long-term development. She referred to her speech on 28 July, when she gave an impassioned speech lasting five hours on the occasion of Peru's Independence Day. "It was necessary to explain to all Peruvians what we have achieved in one year and six months of government," the president said.

She stressed that improving transport links, especially roads, railways and gas pipelines, is crucial to the country's progress. "We need good infrastructure if we want to get more products, whether agricultural or mineral, through the port of Chiang Kai-shek," she said. She plans, for example, to connect the Apurímac and Ica regions via rail, as well as expanding connections from Lima to the northern areas of the country and other regions.

In this context, she mentioned the cooperation with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Belt and Road Initiative, which, according to her, brings significant economic opportunities. "This initiative is a model of respect, equality and the search for peace," Boluarte said. She added that Peru will continue to support the expansion of economic corridors that will connect the Peruvian and Chinese economies and promote mutual growth.

The President also stressed that this initiative has the potential to improve the lives of young people and create new opportunities. "We want Peru to move forward, no matter how much funding we get. Our goal is to bring change and development," she said.

Thus, the cooperation between Peru and China not only strengthens trade relations, but also helps to build lasting links between the two countries and their economies, thus contributing to the overall development of the region.

CMG