On January 27th, 2022, the Fifth China-Argentina Strategic Dialogue for Economic Cooperation and Coordination (the Strategic Dialogue) was held successfully. Mr. Ning Jizhe, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China and Ambassador Santiago Cafiero, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of Argentina participated in the Strategic Dialogue and delivered opening and closing speeches. The two sides carried out comprehensive, in-depth and productive exchanges on the macroeconomic situation, bilateral investment and business environment, key cooperation projects and cooperation for promoting Belt and Road Initiative, charting the course for deepening China-Argentina cooperation in relevant fields. During the meeting, the two sides signed the minutes of the Dialogue and updated the list of Priority Cooperation Projects via video link.
In recent years, positive progress has been made in major cooperation projects under the framework of the Strategic Dialogue. Belgrade Cargo Railway Rehabilitation Project, Cauchari Photovoltaic Power Station Project and other major cooperation projects have effectively promoted Argentina's infrastructure connectivity and clean energy transformation, played a positive role in Argentina's economic recovery, especially in creating new jobs and improving people's livelihood, and brought tangible benefits to people of the two countries. The two sides agree that China and Argentina, with highly complementary economic structures and great potential for cooperation, should further enhance strategic synergy, strengthen economic exchanges, promote concrete projects within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, explore new areas of cooperation and growth for mutual benefits, thus facilitating post-pandemic recovery and realizing mutual development and mutual prosperity. The two sides will promote the implementation of the priority projects, and let them play exemplary roles. Both sides agree to further expand cooperation in infrastructure, energy, information and communications, etc.
For the Chinese side, participants are from NDRC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Energy Administration, China’s Embassy in Argentina, related businesses and financial institutions. For the Argentina side, participants are from the Secretary of Strategic Affairs of the Presidential Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Productive Development, and Argentina’s Embassy in China.