2024.4.19.	|  |  |  |

"Currently, China and Argentina's strategic partnership has made remarkable development." Exclusive interview with the Ambassador of Argentina to China, H.E. Mr. Gustavo A. Martino

China and Argentina are separated by oceans, but the two countries have been connected since the ancient times. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 41 years ago, we truly feel the sincere friendship between the Argentine people and the Chinese people; this great partnership is as deep as the ocean and as high as the mountain.    In the morning of March 12th, our "National Congresses Journalist Delegation" visited the Argentine Embassy and had an exclusive interview with the Ambassador of Argentina to China, H.E. Mr. Gustavo A. Martino. The interview was pleasant and friendly to both sides.    Journalist: Good morning Mr. Ambassador, we just came from the National Congresses, and it is our honor to meet you in person today. You left great impressions to Chinese media because of your pragmatic and efficient work style. China and Argentina established the diplomatic relations about 41 years ago. As the ambassador to China, could you please share your views about China?    Ambassador: Last year was the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Argentina, it is very monumental year in history, and we have reviewed all milestone events during the relationship development. In 2004, China and Argentina formed a strategic partnership, which is a strong evident to demonstrate the two countries' national images and the countries' strength. As far as China is concerned, the success of nearly 30-year reform and opening-up policy implementation has made China as the second largest economy in the world; I firmly believe that China will continue this stable development in the medium and long terms. Based on the needs for promoting bilateral relationship between the two countries, former Argentine President Nestor Kirchner visited China in June 2004. Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to Argentina also effectively promoted both sides to reach the strategic partnership.    Journalist: Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, China's rapid growth made significant influence to the whole world. During your term in China, how will you promote bilateral cooperation in various sectors for the two countries?    Ambassador: As invited, I will be attending the Chinese People's Congress tomorrow morning to witness the election of the new president of the country. In such historical moment, the new leader will lead China to achieve greater success in the next decade. As the Ambassador of Argentina to China, I feel honored to work in this rapidly developing country and I will surely make more contributions to the friendly relationship between China and Argentina.    Journalist: Currently, China and Argentina's trade relations are substantially growing in many sectors; economic cooperation between the two countries has achieved remarkable progress in both trade volume and diversity. In business, which areas or industries do you think will provide better potentials for both countries?    Ambassador: In the strategic partnership between China and Argentina, the two countries achieved very significant growth, the current annual growth rate for bilateral trades is around 35%, and Argentina is looking for better development on its exports. Argentina is an agricultural exporter, meat exports are also a key strength of the country. We hope to see more growth in the food trade. In the infrastructure construction side, energy and mining industries have attracted significant investments. China owns advanced nuclear energy technology; on the other hand, Argentina is still in the preliminary stage for nuclear energy usage, we also need more support from China on the technical side. Both countries have close cooperation in the outer space research field. In military aircraft sector, Argentina and China's CATIC Group signed a cooperation agreement and manufactured light helicopters in Argentina. In science and culture fields, the two countries have been very active in cooperation as well.    Journalist: Thank you very much Ambassador to accept our interview!