Chinese premier calls for comprehensive exchanges with Chile

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets with Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, who is here for the Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 14, 2017. [Photo: China News Service]

Premier Li Keqiang said Sunday China is willing to accelerate development strategy alignment and step up comprehensive exchanges with Chile to boost bilateral ties.

Li made the remarks when meeting with Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, who is in Beijing to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

With China and Chile in talks of an upgraded free trade agreement, they are sending an upbeat signal of endorsement for free trade and globalization, opposition to protectionism, and promotion of regional and world prosperity, Li said.

Bachelet said Chile supports free trade and is ready to complete the negotiation with China on an upgraded free trade agreement as soon as possible.

Chile welcomes more Chinese investment in areas such as new energy, telecommunications, transportation, agriculture, technology innovation and finance, she said.