On September 15, Guangzhou and El Salvador held a high-level dialogue titled "Join Hands to Deepen Economic, Trade and People-to-People Exchanges and Cooperation," at the Sustainable Urban Planning and Design Lab, located on Shamian Island. It marks a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations.
Government officials, business leaders, and youth delegates from both sides gathered in Guangzhou to explore concrete ways to enhance collaboration across multiple sectors.
Guangzhou and El Salvador hold a dialogue on September 15
El Salvador, known as the "Land of Lakes and Volcanoes," is actively expanding its global partnerships. With foreign trade accounting for over half of its GDP, the country offers rich opportunities for investment and exchange.
Key exports such as coffee, sugar, seafood, and textiles align well with Guangzhou's demand for high-quality consumer goods and raw materials. In 2024, bilateral trade between China and El Salvador reached $1.97 billion, reflecting a steady growth trajectory since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2018.
In his remarks, Luis López, Ambassador of El Salvador to China, emphasized the shared desire for deeper mutual understanding: "I believe there is something really interesting: to promote culture, to make the Chinese people know about El Salvador, and for people from El Salvador to know more about China. Both sides are eager to learn more about each other."
Luis López, Ambassador of El Salvador to China, remarks on future cooperation with Guangzhou
He also expressed a strong interest in participating in the Canton Fair and other international expositions to promote Salvadoran products in the Chinese market.
On the Guangzhou side, Lei Weiju, Deputy Director General of the Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office, highlighted the city's role as a dynamic economic hub and its commitment to international cooperation. He welcomed Salvadoran businesses to leverage platforms like the Canton Fair to introduce their high-quality products—such as coffee, sugar, and seafood—to consumers in China and beyond.
He further noted that Guangzhou's strengths in the digital economy, green energy, and biotechnology complement Salvadoran resources and industries, creating potential for joint ventures and technology collaboration.
Additionally, tourism emerged as another promising field for cooperation. El Salvador welcomed 3.9 million international tourists in 2024, a 17% increase from the previous year. The recent inauguration of the China-aided La Libertad Pier has further boosted local tourism infrastructure, supporting the country's "Surf City" initiative. Chinese travel companies are considering integrating El Salvador into existing Caribbean routes, offering immersive experiences centered around nature and culture.
The launch of freight flights from China to El Salvador in May 2024 has already improved logistical connectivity, enabling faster delivery of goods such as electronics and e-commerce products. This advancement, coupled with ongoing negotiations for a China-El Salvador free trade agreement, is expected to significantly expand trade and investment flows.
This dialogue not only strengthened existing ties but also laid a foundation for long-term collaboration, opening a new chapter in Guangzhou-El Salvador relations.
Reporter: Guo Zedong
Video Script & Text: Guo Zedong
Photo, Video & Cover: Liang Zijian
Editor: Yuan Zixiang, James Campion, Shen He
