LIMA, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela has voiced his support for open and inclusive trade, and advocates further boosting global trade.
Varela said at the eighth Summit of the Americas, a two-day meeting that concluded here Saturday, that he is in support of a world with open border and with larger movements of people and goods.
Varela said Panama was a "firm believer" in China's Belt and Road Initiative.
"Panama adheres to the vision of the Belt and Road Initiative, as we are firm believers in connectivity ... through our canal, our ports and airports. We support all initiatives which strengthen connectivity," he told Xinhua.
"The first project as part of this initiative, once we finish the feasibility studies, will be a train from Panama to Costa Rica. We also want to extend it to other Central American countries," he said.
Varela said that, beyond China, Panama is looking for more cultural, trade, and tourism exchanges with India, Australia, Africa, the Middle East etc.
