Panama accepts reins for China-LAC Summit next year

The event flag for next year's China-LAC Business Summit was turned over to the Republic of Panama by Zhuhai Mayor Yao Yisheng on Nov 1.

Panama Vice Foreign Trade Minister Nestor Gonzalez accepted the honor during the 12th edition of the two-day event. It was held at the Zhuhai International Convention & Exhibition Center in Shizimen Central Business District.

Gonzalez said Panama (home of the Panama Canal in Central America) has always been a bridge for international trade and offers dedicated support services. He pledged that Panama would make efforts to strengthen China-LAC partnerships.

It will be Panama's first time to head the meeting of representatives from China and Latin American and Caribbean states. Chile, Colombia, Peru, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Uruguay previously hosted the annual China-LAC summit, rotating with Chinese cities.

Zhuhai Vice Mayor Zhu Qingqiao chaired the ceremony, which was also attended by Lu Pengqi, deputy head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT); and Zhuhai Vice Mayor Lu Xiaofeng.

Lu called the event "a flagship brand in China-LAC practical cooperation" hailed by the Chinese central government. It was initiated in 2007 and has become a major promoter of economic and trade cooperation.