On the evening of November 14 local time, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte jointly attended via video the opening ceremony of Chancay Port, a project constructed with the participation of China Railway Group Limited (CREC), held at the Presidential Palace in Lima. Both leaders delivered speeches during the event. Chen Yun, Chairman of CREC, attended the opening ceremony at Chancay Port and also delivered a speech.
During the event, officials from the transportation departments of both countries briefed the leaders and presented a project video showcasing the progress of Chancay Port. Representatives from both China and Peru on-site requested instructions from the two heads of state to commence port operations.
The leaders jointly gave the command: “Open the port!”
The scene came alive as ships such as the COSCO Shipping Peru and the COSCO Shipping New Shanghai began unloading, and the COSCO Shipping Tengfei sounded its horn to set sail. Automated container trucks busily navigated the port, marking the historic moment with resounding applause.
Xi Jinping congratulated the successful opening of Chancay Port and expressed respect for the builders of both countries who overcame the challenges of the pandemic, worked together in unity, and completed all tasks with high quality and efficiency. He noted that within just a few years, a modern port has risen, which is both inspiring and uplifting. Chancay Port is not only a deep-water port but also South America’s first smart and green port. Once completed, it will bring substantial benefits to Peru, create numerous job opportunities, and significantly strengthen Peru’s position as a gateway connecting land and sea, as well as linking Asia and Latin America. Over 2,000 years ago, the ancestors of the Chinese nation braved stormy seas to forge the Maritime Silk Road connecting East and West. More than 500 years ago, the ancestors of Peru, the Incas, fearlessly crossed steep mountains to construct the Inca Trail spanning the Andes. Today, Chancay Port is becoming a new starting point for the “Inca Trail of the New Era.” From “Chancay to Shanghai,” we are witnessing not only the flourishing of the Belt and Road Initiative in Peru but also the birth of a new transcontinental land-sea corridor for the modern era.
Xi Jinping emphasized the need for joint efforts to build, manage, and operate Chancay Port well, continuously enhancing its capacity and comprehensive service levels. He called for active exploration of pathways to drive logistics, logistics to drive trade, and trade to drive industries, adhering to the principles of consultation, co-construction, and sharing. This will empower economic growth for Pacific coastal countries, including China and Peru, and turn Chancay Port into a path of prosperity and happiness for Peru and the broader Latin America and Caribbean regions. It will bring mutually beneficial outcomes and tangible benefits to people in all participating nations.
Boluarte stated that the opening of Chancay Port is a historic moment that fills all Peruvians with pride. This grand project jointly built by Peru and China under the Belt and Road Initiative marks a crucial step for Peru toward becoming an international shipping and trade hub. It will help Peru become a vital gateway connecting Latin America and Asia and will strongly promote regional integration and prosperity in Latin America. The port will usher in a new chapter of economic development for Peru, further enhancing its competitiveness and bringing greater well-being to all Peruvians. Boluarte expressed gratitude for China’s trust and support for Peru. President Boluarte described the port opening as a historic moment of pride for the Peruvian people. She highlighted Chancay Port as a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative, representing a major stride toward Peru becoming a global shipping and trade center. The port, she said, will enhance Peru’s competitiveness, drive regional integration, and herald a new chapter of economic growth, ultimately benefiting all Peruvians.
In his speech, Chen Yun stated that Chancay Port is a landmark cooperation project under the Belt and Road Initiative between China and Peru and represents a significant achievement of Chinese enterprises in supporting Peru’s infrastructure development. China Railway Group Limited (CREC) approached the construction of the Chancay Tunnel project, a key supporting project for Chancay Port, with a strong sense of responsibility and mission. The team proactively tackled risks and challenges, overcame difficulties, and successfully completed the tunnel construction on schedule. Looking ahead, CREC will continue to leverage its full industrial chain advantages in infrastructure construction and contribute its expertise and efforts to the friendly cooperation between China and Peru. Earlier, Chen Yun accompanied Minister of Transport Liu Wei to inspect and guide the preparations for the opening ceremony of Chancay Port and conducted an on-site visit to the Chancay Tunnel project by car.
Chancay Port is located 80 kilometers north of Lima, the capital of Peru, and is a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative jointly built by China and Peru. After its opening, the sea transportation time between China and Peru will be reduced to 23 days, saving over 20% in logistics costs and creating more than 8,000 direct job opportunities annually for Peru. The Chancay multifunctional port tunnel and road connection system project in Peru, constructed by China Railway No.10 Engineering Group, serves as a vital transportation artery for Chancay Port. The project includes a 1.84-kilometer-long Chancay Tunnel and approximately 5.26 kilometers of overpasses and connecting roads. The Chancay Tunnel links the mountains and coastline, passing beneath the Pan-American Highway, archaeological protection zones, churches, schools, and several residential communities. It connects the auxiliary construction area of the port with the terminal operation area, making it a critical component and key control project for Chancay Port, essential for maximizing the port’s maritime logistics potential.
