Mexico, China face historic opportunity in bilateral ties: Ruling party chief

MEXICO CITY, Oct. 25 -- Mexico and China are facing a historic and great-ever opportunity in bilateral relations, head of the Latin American nation's ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) said.

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua at PRI headquarter in Mexico City on Friday, Cesar Camacho Quiroz said his party "appreciates very much the attitude of Chinese President Xi Jinping toward Mexico and our President Enrique Pena Nieto, because they are not only heads of state, but also friends."

This attitude "opens window of opportunity in the history of our relations which has never been greater," said the politician, who paid a visit to China in September.

The leader of Mexico's largest political party said during his latest visit to China, he found "a country with boundless economic growth and remarkable improving of the Chinese people's living."

As for the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, he said, "it is a model for us to have aspiration, that is, when we see what makes the Chinese government and people in unity, we noticed that we still have a long way to go."

"There are many things we can learn, and there is possible presence of Mexican entrepreneurs and investors in the area," he said, adding that Mexican companies' access to the Chinese market must be made in accordance with the Mexican laws, institutions and culture.

He said the two countries could exchange experience in free trade zone, and noting that each country and region "has their characteristics."

On tourism, the PRI leader said Chinese visitors in Mexico would "feel ;like at home," where they are not only moved by hospitality of the Mexicans, but also attracted by the country's ancient culture, rich nature and technological advances.

The Mexicans wait for Chinese visitors with open arms, he said.