From March 31st to April 2nd, Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela visited Guangdong province, where he attended an investment and tourism promotion event for Panama and witnessed the opening of the Consulate General of Panama in Guangzhou.

It was Varela's first visit to Guangdong and his third trip to China since the two countries established diplomatic relations in June 2017.

Varela said in an interview that Panama attaches great importance to the mutually beneficial cooperation with Guangdong province and the construction of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Juan Carlos Varela, the President of Panama. [Photo: Wang Hui]

More convenient to apply for visas

Q: Have you enjoyed this trip to Guangdong?

A: Guangdong impresses me very much. It is from Guangdong that China's reform and opening up started 41 years ago. And lots of Panamanian businessmen attend the Canton Fair every year and they sell Guangdong's products to Latin America.

During this trip, I saw Guangdong's beautiful cityscape, met its kind people and experienced its culture and history. Guangzhou and Shenzhen in particular have witnessed the process of reform and opening up.

Q: What role will the Consulate General of Panama in Guangzhou play?

A: I hope that the Consulate General of Panma in Guangzhou will bring more convenience to the processing of tourist visas, as well as promote cooperation in trade and investment.

Many Chinese travel to our beautiful country with friendly citizens, distinctive Panama Canal and special old towns. Now it will be more convenient for Chinese tourists to visit Panama. A multiple entry visa for the US, Schengen, Japan, South Korea or Australia enables a Chinese citizen to stay in Panama for up to 6 months.

Around 70% of China's exports to Panama come from the GBA

Q: Panama is the first Latin American country to sign a memorandum of understanding to promote the cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. What progress has been made on cooperation between the two countries?

A: The Belt and Road is of great significance. Panama is one of the most connected countries in terms of maritime and air transport. By sea, it takes several months to get to China, and it takes less than 24 hours by plane. I believe that China and Panama will be increasingly connected.

China's investment in Panama is also increasing. Chinese enterprises are building important projects in Panama. For instance, the Chinese company that built the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge won a $1.4 billion contract and will start the construction of the fourth bridge over the Panama Canal next month. What’s more, we are considering building a railway connecting the province of Panama with the western province of Chiriqui, which borders Costa Rica.

Q: What do you think about Guangdong's efforts to promote the development of the GBA?

A: It is a great project. It offers many opportunities for Panamanian businessmen to develop their business. Around 70% of China's exports to Panama come from the cities in the GBA.

I am looking forward to enhance cooperation with the GBA in the fields of trade, investment, culture, tourism and education for the benefit of people in both countries.

Q: What are your expectations as to future cooperation?

A: More Chinese enterprises are welcomed to invest in Panama, and we expect more cooperation in the field of infrastructure.

Now we have established diplomatic relations, Panama is exporting more and more meat, pineapples and fish to China. It is worth mentioning that China is the second biggest user of the Panama Canal, and that we can export not only our produce,but also services.

Reported by Will, Pu Enling

Edited by Simon