Beijing: Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa in Beijing to discuss expanding economic and trade ties between the two nations. The meeting, held on Wednesday, resulted in agreements to enhance cooperation in both traditional and emerging sectors.

According to Anadolu Agency, Premier Li emphasized China's readiness to work with Ecuador to strengthen communication, consolidate political trust, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation. The two countries aim to advance the Belt and Road Initiative and continue the implementation of their free trade agreement to boost bilateral trade.

China plans to deepen cooperation in traditional sectors such as energy, mining, and infrastructure, while also pursuing collaboration in emerging fields like 5G technology and artificial intelligence. Premier Li expressed China's willingness to import more high-quality agricultural and food products from Ecuador and encouraged Chinese investment in the South American nation.

Premier Li also highlighted the importance of cooperation in disaster prevention, education, healthcare, and culture, reiterating China's commitment to being a reliable partner for Latin American and Caribbean countries amidst regional challenges.

President Noboa acknowledged China as a vital cooperation partner and expressed Ecuador's eagerness to fully utilize the bilateral free trade agreement. By doing so, Ecuador aims to create jobs, attract investment, and increase exports to China, particularly focusing on products like bananas, shrimp, cocoa, coffee, and flowers, as reported by Ecuadorian news outlet Vistazo.

Ecuador called for enhanced coordination between the countries' health and customs authorities to facilitate shrimp exports and urged the approval of new Ecuadorian products for the Chinese market, including avocados, blueberries, pineapples, and poultry, according to Vistazo.

The meeting concluded with the signing of several cooperation agreements in areas such as green industry, economic and trade cooperation, digital economy, and public welfare. President Noboa's visit to China, from August 16 to 23, is part of a larger tour of Asia at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.