Bolivian Energy Deputy Minister Praises China’s Renewable Progress, Eyes Deeper Bilateral Cooperation

This is my first visit to China. China's development is impressive, and I have felt the vigorous vitality of development in many places, "said Velasquez, Deputy Minister of Energy Planning and Development of Bolivia, in an interview with our reporter recently. Velasquez recently visited Beijing, Sichuan, Qinghai and other places to gain a deeper understanding of the development of China's energy sector and the achievements made in the development and utilization of renewable energy. The exchange of experience and technological cooperation between Bolivia and China in related fields is very important, and we look forward to further strengthening cooperation between the two countries

Velasquez stated that China has made significant progress in many fields in recent years. China is continuously promoting the application of renewable energy technologies and has achieved significant results in the substitution of fossil fuels and energy transformation. Enhancing the proportion of renewable energy in electricity production is crucial for achieving sustainable development. China is actively promoting the achievement of its' dual carbon 'goals, and technological breakthroughs in areas such as photovoltaics, wind power, and hydropower have played a key role. Relevant international cooperation has brought opportunities for developing countries such as Bolivia

In recent years, cooperation between Bolivia and China has been continuously upgraded. In the field of economy and trade, Bolivia's beef, quinoa and other products have been exported to China, and the first batch of 25 tons of chia seeds were exported to China in April this year. In Bolivia, Chinese companies have helped us build many infrastructure projects such as hydropower stations and highways. "Velasquez said that in addition to the positive impact of the projects themselves, the technology and experience sharing achieved through cooperation will help Bolivia enhance its own capacity building and strengthen ecological environment protection. Velasquez said that China has assisted Bolivia in launching the communication satellite "Tupac Katari" into orbit. China has not only delivered the satellite and ground measurement, control, and application system to Bolivia, but also invited Bolivian technicians to China for technical training, enabling them to independently operate the system and analyze data. After the completion of the Bolivia Mutong Comprehensive Steel Plant project, which was constructed by Chinese enterprises, Bolivian technicians went to China for training and became the main operators of the plant after returning home. Practical cooperation between the two countries helps Bolivia enhance its industrial capabilities, "said Velasquez. If given the opportunity, he plans to apply for further studies in China.

Velasquez led a delegation to participate in a technology training course in the field of new energy organized by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Natural Resources during his visit to China. We have gained a lot from the technical exchanges and experience sharing in the training activities, "said Velasquez. China has become one of the leaders in the global renewable energy generation field. Currently, cooperation in the energy field between Bolivia and China is expanding from traditional energy to new energy. Bolivia is promoting cooperation in photovoltaic power generation and other projects between the two countries." We look forward to further expanding cooperation in renewable energy between the two countries and welcome more Chinese companies to invest in Bolivia.

Velasquez also attended the 4th Ministerial Conference of the China Latin America Forum held in Beijing this year, and is full of expectations for a better future of China Latin America cooperation. "China has become an important strategic partner of Latin America, and many important initiatives proposed by China, such as jointly building the the Belt and Road, are widely welcomed in Latin America." He said that the complex and volatile world situation highlights the importance of multilateral cooperation, and adhering to multilateralism will promote broader cooperation and more equitable international relations.

Velasquez stated that the "Joint Action Plan for Key Areas of Cooperation between China and Latin American Community Member States (2025-2027)" reflects China's firm support for the development of Latin American countries. China is an important advocate of multilateralism, and the South South cooperation mechanisms led or participated in by China have created many development opportunities for Latin American developing countries. We look forward to the continued exploration of cooperation potential between Bolivia and China under cooperation frameworks such as the Latin American and China Forum and the BRICS cooperation mechanism to benefit the people.