CRI听力：Experts: Chinese President's Visit to strengthen China's Relations with Latin America

Meanwhile, experts say the ongoing visit of the Chinese President will strengthen China's relations with Latin America and bring more development opportunities to the region.

Our reporter Shuangfeng has the details.

Reporter:

President Hu Jintao is in Cuba after ending his first state visit to Costa Rica. Chinese diplomats say China and Cuba will sign documents of cooperation in economic and education sectors during the visit.

Earlier, during Hu Jintao's stay in Costa Rica, leaders of both countries signed 11 agreements on cooperation in the field of economy, energy and education and announced to launch negotiations on a free trade agreement.

Xu Shicheng, a researcher from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, says some Central American countries still have no diplomatic relations with China. And President Hu Jintao's visit has sent a signal that they are welcome to do so.

"On November 5, the Chinese government issued a Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean. The document states that China is willing to set up diplomatic ties with central American countries on the prerequisite of the one China policy. Of course, we don't object trade relations between Taiwan and the region. I believe President Hu Jintao's visit will push forward the pace of other Central American countries developing relations with China."

Meanwhile, Martin Rodriguez, an expert in international relations from Argentina, says the Chinese president's visit will bring development opportunities to Latin America. He adds that China's opening market is beneficial for Latin American countries during the global financial turmoil.(WWw.hxen.net)

"China represents hope to Latin American countries. The Chinese economy is growing and its domestic demand is rising. Many Latin American products can meet the increasing demand of the Chinese market. It is a good development opportunity for Latin America as China continues to open its market amid the global economic crisis."

The expert stresses that Latin American countries should grab the opportunity to expand cooperation with China and speed up development of their region.

Shuangfeng, CRI news.