Peru envoy: China's 'new normal' economy benefits Latin America

The concept of "new normal" cited by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in his Government Work Report during the Two Sessions means China will work to improve efficiency and economic competitive strength, and to achieve this goal, it will continue reform and innovation and encourage research and development of technology, said Juan Carlos Capunay, the Peruvian ambassador to China.

Peruvian Ambassador to China Juan Carlos Capunay

"I think the 'new normal' concept not only helps the development of China itself, but benefits global economics as well, especially Latin American countries," said Capunay. "China is developing so fast that it is transforming from a labor-intensive country to a manufacturing power of high quality."

In his role as a diplomat, Capunay was invited to attend the opening ceremony of this year's annual National People's Congress and its plenary meeting. There, he accepted an interview with People's Daily.

Capunay told the reporters that China's economy would have an effect on global economic development, as the contribution by China would strengthen the level of trade worldwide.

"Peru, for example, lacks technology and innovation," Capunay said. "That's why Peru really wants to cooperate with China either for a strong trade complement or for the technology import. I believe Latin America will benefit from China's reform and innovation. Just as President Xi Jinping said, those that benefit China would benefit all the partners of China. We hope China's 'New Normal' and its results can exert a positive influence on the Latin American economy."

Regarding the Government Work Report, the ambassador said the report talked about not only innovation of operating process and government management, which should be more transparent and should include anti-corruption measures, but also economic reform, such as increasing government support for middle and small-sized enterprises. What's more the report talked about some social problems such as education and poverty.

In discussing China's foreign policies, Capunay said it covered both international relations and regional relations. China proposed a regional structure that makes regions more connected. For instance, with the proposal of New Silk Road, China is able to build a system of a wider cooperation to boost its economic development.

"I have talked about what is the silk road in 21st Century many times before," said Capunay. "I have a bold thought that silk road in 21st Century doesn't simply mean the geographic connection, but a vast connection which connected Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America. The Maritime Silk Road connected Peru and China and this connection can start with the Brazil railway networks."

Earlier this year, Valdemar Leao, Brazil's ambassador to China, said talks with China and Peru on a proposed transcontinental railroad in Latin America were ongoing. The trilateral cooperation project was jointly announced by China, Brazil and Peru when Chinese President Xi Jinping made his first South American trip following his participation in the sixth BRICS summit in Brazil last July. This is the largest railway project proposed by Chinese leaders during an overseas trip.

Peru's ambassador noted that the two sessions amounted to a summary of China's existing reform and the beginning of future reform. President Xi talked about reform on adjustment of economics and government structure in 2012, and concentrated on anti-corruption and social development in 2014, which are all key elements for 2015 reform.

"What we can see from the two sessions is the preparation of reform China is implementing and the extension of the entire reform process," said Capunay.

renqi@chinadaily.com.cn