A Peruvian delegation's recent visit to Shanghai highlighted strengthening ties between China and Peru, hailing Chancay Port as a remarkable achievement of collaborative efforts between the two nations.

During their visit to Shanghai Maritime University, or SMU, Peruvian Congress member Jhakeline Katy Ugarte Mamani and senior legislator of the Arequipa region, Esdras Ricardo Medina Minaya, explored opportunities in maritime education, smart port technology, and bilateral cooperation.

"Peru seeks stronger bilateral ties with China in education, research, talent cultivation, artificial intelligence and more," said Ugarte, on her second visit to Shanghai — which she described as "a highly intelligent city with rapid technological development".

She emphasized that such partnerships would drive economic growth and sustainable development across multiple sectors. "Through collaborative efforts, our nations can achieve mutual success," she added.

The delegation's visit follows the launch of the Chancay Port, which is South America's pioneer smart port and a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte jointly inaugurated the port via video link on Nov 14, 2024, during Xi's state visit to Peru. Xi also attended the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, the capital of Peru.

Located 80 kilometers north of Lima, the port has reduced shipping time between Peru and China from over a month to 23 days, while cutting logistics costs by more than 20 percent.

Recent data from Shanghai Customs shows that since the establishment of direct shipping routes between Chancay and Shanghai last December, the authority has processed 22,000 metric tons of import and export goods — valued at 610 million yuan ($84.2 million).

The bilateral trade with Peru, through Shanghai ports, reached 51.5 billion yuan in 2024, marking a 23 percent year-on-year increase, according to Shanghai Customs.

The port's impact extends beyond maritime trade. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian noted that the port is expected to generate annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion for Peru and create over 8,000 jobs. The facility includes wildlife rescue stations and environmental protection measures, and can strengthen Peru's position as a gateway between Asia and Latin America.

"The Chancay Port has opened doors of opportunity not only for Peru but for the entire Latin American region," Ugarte added.

SMU's contribution to the port's development includes Professor Ding Yi and his research team's digital energy management platform for COSCO Shipping Ports Ltd, the port's investor.

"Maritime technology and education cooperation not only fulfills the mission of nurturing shipping talent but also bears the important responsibility of connecting the Belt and Road Initiative with Latin American development," said Song Baoru, Party secretary of the university, during the meeting on Tuesday.

The Peruvian delegates expressed interest in establishing educational partnerships. Medina proposed a collaboration between SMU and Peru's Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, the country's oldest public university, as well as the newly established university near Chancay Port.

"We hope to send Peruvian students to SMU for various levels of education, from undergraduate to doctoral studies, while also welcoming SMU students to study in Peru," he said.

Liu Shengnan in Beijing contributed to this story.

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