Chile's ties with China must be lifted to new level: new ambassador

Chile's ties with China must advance to higher level, Chile's new Ambassador Jorge Heine said Tuesday before leaving for Beijing.

Heine said his three basic tasks will be to diversify Chile's exports to China, promote Chinese investment in Chile, and increase the flow of people in both directions.

"Trade ties between China and Chile are on a very good footing. Trade flows in both directions are flowing very well," he said, adding "China's demand for copper continues to rise, which is very important for Chile."

But he also said, "It is important to diversify this basket of exports: only 15 percent of Chile's exports to China aren't copper," adding Chile is looking to export more cellulose, wine and agricultural products to China.

Heine stressed that promoting investment from China will also be one of his major tasks, noting infrastructure projects, such as ports and railroads, will offer Chinese investors good opportunities.

"China has the best technology in the world in bullet trains ... and there are interesting opportunities there," he said.

"We have been very focused on buying and selling, but to consolidate the relationship it's also important to have a flow of people, both from tourism and from students," the ambassador said.