On May 22, 2025, the Global Alliance for Trade in Services (GATIS) hosted the “GATIS Links the World” South America Economic and Trade Matchmaking Event in Beijing. The event was moderated by CHEN Ning, Deputy Secretary-General of GATIS, and brought together over 200 participants both online and onsite. Attendees included senior representatives from the embassies of Chile,Suriname and other South American countries in China, government agencies, international business associations, leading enterprises, as well as delegates from SMEs, and GATIS member organizations. Deputy Secretary-Generals of GATIS, Lu Lanping and Liang Jingyuan, were also in attendance.

Zhao Weidong, Secretary-General of GATIS, delivered the opening remarks. He emphasized that GATIS upholds the principles of “neutrality, openness, inclusiveness, and innovation”, and serves as a platform for international cooperation in the field of trade in services. By fostering communication between institutions and enterprises seeking to explore the South American market, GATIS aims to promote project collaboration and resource sharing and to help build a more resilient global industrial and supply chain.

Amberien PIERKHAN, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Suriname in China; Sergio Valenzuela, Minister Counselor of the Embassy of Chile in China; Victor, General Manager of the Asia-Pacific Office of ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency); and WEI Tuo, Director of the Comprehensive Coordination Division of Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau, all delivered keynote speeches. They shared the latest developments and emerging opportunities in the economic and trade sectors of their respective countries and regions.

Representatives from companies and organizations in the pharmaceutical, economic, and trade sectors from both China and South America delivered presentations, including the Brazilian Federation of Associative and Independent Pharmacy Networks (FEBRAFAR), the Colombia-China Chamber of Commerce, and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products (CCCMHPIE). Each shared their respective strengths and cooperation interests, drawing keen attention from attendees.

Two agreements were signed during this event. CCCMHPIE signed a cooperation agreement with the International Health and Environment Industry Association (IHEIA). Separately, IHEIA also signed a partnership agreement with the FEBRAFAR.

The successful hosting of this economic and trade matchmaking event aligns with the goals of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum. It represents a concrete step toward promoting the development of trade in services and advancing shared growth and revitalization. The event not only deepened mutual understanding and trust in the economic and trade sectors at both bilateral and multilateral levels, but also created greater opportunities for enterprises to explore and expand into the South American market.

Going forward, GATIS will continue to serve as a multilateral bridge and connector, advancing broader regional and international economic cooperation and contributing to the high-quality development of global trade in services.