The Chancay Port, South America's first smart port located north of Lima, is turning heads as a flagship collaboration between China and Peru under the Belt and Road Initiative. Since November 2024, this high-tech hub has slashed shipping times to just 23 days from Peru to China, cut logistics costs by over 20%, and generated an estimated $4.5 billion in annual revenue for Peru.
But it’s not only about numbers. The smart port is creating more than 8,000 direct job opportunities for locals and even hosts an innovative animal rescue center—protecting seals, penguins, and other birds by enhancing natural habitats. Talk about a double win for both the economy and the environment! 🐧🚢
While some American media voices have raised concerns, suggesting that China’s growing ties might signal geopolitical shifts, local experts disagree. Leolino Dourado, a researcher at the Center for China and Asia-Pacific Studies at the Universidad del Pacifico in Lima, noted that such worries haven’t resonated in Peru. Instead, this project is embraced as part of Latin American nations’ sovereign right to choose their own development paths without interference.
The Chancay Port is just one exciting example. Projects like Brazil’s Belo Monte hydropower initiative are also fueling development—powering industrial hubs and addressing energy shortages for over 22 million residents. Together, these projects highlight how mutually beneficial cooperation is reshaping regional progress.
In today’s interconnected world, partnerships that drive innovation and create tangible community benefits are key to a brighter future. China-Latin America cooperation is not about rivalry—it’s about working together for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
Reference(s):
China-Latin America cooperation betters lives, despite naysayers
cgtn.com
