More than 400 entrepreneurs and representatives from 26 Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries will gather in Beijing in early November to explore business opportunities in areas including agriculture and tourism. 

"China has become the second largest trading partner for the LAC region, and the LAC region is the second largest destination for China's outbound investment. This shows infinite potential for cooperation between them," Guo Huaigang, head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Beijing Sub-Council, co-organizer of the 16th China-LAC Business Summit, said at a press conference in Beijing on October 25.

The annual summit, the first regular economic and trade promotion platform between China and the LAC region, is held alternately in China and LAC countries. The 16th edition, taking place on November 2-3, is the first time Beijing will host the event.

"Last year, the summit was hosted by Ecuador, and it strengthened not only economic cooperation, but also cultural exchange," Guo commented.

He also expressed confidence in the role of the CCPIT Beijing Sub-Council in this year's summit. The CCPIT is a national institution founded in 1952 to promote international trade and investment.

Its Beijing sub-council has signed agreements with 31 chambers of commerce in 16 LAC countries, Guo said. It has established partnerships with 228 trade and investment promotion agencies in 93 countries and regions globally. In June, it organized visit by a delegation of more than 20 Chinese companies to Argentina and Chile, during which a number of deals were signed, including Chinese companies' purchase of Chilean cherries and Argentinian beef and export of new-energy vehicles to Chile.

The four subforums to be held during the upcoming China-LAC Business Summit will focus on the digital economy, agriculture, culture and tourism, and green development. In addition, an exhibition will showcase the economic and social development, investment environment and cultures of LAC countries, helping promote LAC companies and brands, Guo said.

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson 

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