CCTV9英语新闻：李总理的最后一站，旨在加强中国-智利的关系（在线收听）
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is in Chile on the final leg of his Latin American tour. Li met with Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, as China and Chile aim to broaden their economic ties.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (3rd L front) attends a welcoming ceremony held by Chilean President Michelle Bachelet in Santiago, capital of Chile, May 25, 2015. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)
Li and Bachelet marked 45 years of China-Chile economic cooperation with a handshake Monday in Santiago.
Chile was the first South American country to establish diplomatic relations with China—in 1970—a foundation laid by former President Salvador Allende. China and Chile hope to use their shared history to build a global strategic partnership.
Since the signing of a free trade agreement in 2005, commerce between the two countries has grown substantially, totaling more than US$34 billion last year. China now accounts for a quarter of Chile's exports—the country's biggest trading partner.
Chile's copper has been a key part of that growth for China. The industry has opened the door to Chinese companies wanting to expand ties, not just in trade, but also investments in other industries, including wind farms and mining.
While trade between China and Chile has grown rapidly, the two countries are gradually diversifying and moving away from the heavy reliance on copper exports.
"Chile needs a strategy to attract investments from China. There are a number of possibilities, including improving infrastructure, that would help the country develop," said Isabel Rodriguez, Universidad Del Desarollo.
China and Chile are expected to sign an agreement to prevent double taxation in trade as well as open a branch of the China Construction Bank.
Given the potential growth in Chilean agriculture, fishery and forestry, the two countries hope to strengthen their economic ties.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (2nd L front) and Chilean President Michelle Bachelet (1st L front) inspect the guard of honor during a welcoming ceremony in Santiago, capital of Chile, May 25, 2015. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (1st L front) attends a welcoming ceremony held by Chilean President Michelle Bachelet (2nd L front) in Santiago, capital of Chile, May 25, 2015.