At just 24, Raquel Herrera embodies a new wave of Chilean youth eager to deepen links between the Chinese mainland and Latin America. Now pursuing her MBA at Chongqing University on a Chinese government scholarship, Herrera has spent the last three years studying Mandarin at a Confucius Institute in Chile.
'Under the framework of the China-CELAC Forum, collaboration across international trade, green development and cultural exchange will only grow stronger,' Herrera says. 'This paves the way for sustainable and inclusive connections among our peoples.'
Recent data underscores her optimism: bilateral trade volumes have surged in the past decade, and joint green projects—from renewable energy to sustainable agriculture—are on the rise. Meanwhile, cultural exchanges, from student programs to art festivals, are bringing communities closer.
For young global citizens and entrepreneurs, Herrera's vision offers a blueprint: leverage digital platforms to launch cross-border start-ups in eco-tech, or create immersive travel experiences that highlight Latin American heritage and Chinese innovation. Thought leaders can champion policies that align with environmental goals, while travelers and digital nomads can tap into emerging hubs like Santiago and Chengdu.
As Herrera prepares for her next semester in Chongqing, she's already planning a Latin American film festival in her university's international campus, aiming to foster dialogue and creativity. 'This is just the beginning,' she reflects. 'When young voices from Santiago to Shanghai join forces, we can reshape global cooperation for good.'
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Chilean youth desires deeper China-Latin American cooperation
cgtn.com
