Noboa calls his China visit a ‘great success,’ says joint projects will be announced soon

President Daniel Noboa concluded a week-long visit to China Friday, claiming that the “groundwork has been laid” for joint initiatives that will benefit both Ecuador and China. In addition to meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, Noboa attended the World Economic Forum in Tianjin and met with representatives of Chinese businesses and banks.

President Daniel Noboa is greeted by Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this week.

Before boarding a flight to Spain, Noboa also met with about 20 Ecuadorian students attending Chinese universities.

Although the presidential press office did not release details of Noboa’s conversations and possible agreements with Chinese officials, it said earlier that the agenda included refinancing Chinese bank loans as well as discussions for new loans, expanding the trade agreement signed last year between the countries, as well as Chinese investments in major infrastructure projects, including new electric generation plants.

The Chinese media quoted Xi Jinping on Friday announcing that Ecuador has agreed to join China’s Belt and Road project with developing countries. “They have joined the big family of the Belt and Road Initiative, and we have also agreed to carry out fruitful cooperative projects with Ecuador in areas such as energy, mining, power and infrastructure construction,” Xi said.

Noboa’s visit was accorded full state honors in the Great Hall of the People, and he addressed the World Economic Forum with the message that Ecuador is open for business. “We are part of the movement in Latin America to put ideological differences behind us and focus on the commitment to young people with public policies that generate study opportunities, scholarships in emerging technical fields,” he said. “The goal is to create a robust knowledge base that will lead to greater opportunities for future generations and to raise the standard of living for all of us.”

According to political analyst Sofía Guerrero, Noboa was “walking a careful line” in his discussions with Li Qiang. “I understand that he made it clear that his government would continue to work with the U.S. in the fight against international drug cartels and other strategic projects,” she said. “But he also made it clear that he wants to strengthen trade and business ties with China, understanding that China has money to invest overseas. He also promoted stronger cultural and educational connections between the two countries.”

Guerrero added: “He [Noboa] delivered the message that he understands that China is the economic power of the future and that Ecuador does not want to be left behind.”