Nicaraguan Ambassador to China: The "the Belt and Road" initiative is very important to the whole world

International Online Report: Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, known as the "country of volcanoes and lakes". After resuming diplomatic relations with China in 2021, Nicaragua joined the "the Belt and Road" initiative in January 2022. On August 31st this year, China and Nicaragua officially signed a free trade agreement.

From September 2 to 6, the eighth "Colorful World" - national characteristic cultural exhibition activities along the "the Belt and Road" will be held in Beijing Shougang Park, and the Nicaraguan Embassy in China will participate for the first time. How does Nicaragua view the the Belt and Road Initiative as a "new member" of the "the Belt and Road" family and a "new friend" of the "dazzle the world" activity when it has been implemented for ten years? What exciting displays will it bring to the audience of this "Colorful World" exhibition? Nicaragua's Ambassador to China, Michael Campbell, will reveal the answer for us.

China is an amazing country

Song Shujun: How many years have you been in China and what is your impression of China?

Michael Campbell: I came to China on May 25th this year and have been staying in Beijing for over three months. In China, no matter where I go, I can see hardworking people forging ahead, constantly innovating, and always promoting their own culture. I think China is an amazing country. Countries like Nicaragua have many places to learn from and exchange ideas with China.

Song Shujun: If you were asked to describe China in three words, which three words would you use?

Michael Campbell: I don't think three words are enough to summarize China's greatness, but the first words that come to my mind are admiration, excitement, and beauty.

Song Shujun: After you return to Nicaragua, how will you introduce Beijing?

Michael Campbell: After I return to my home country, I will allow my Nicaraguan compatriots to truly spend some time visiting China and Beijing. Not only Beijing, but also I would recommend them to visit other provinces in China to truly understand everything China is doing. We have found that China is not only promoting great innovation and rapidly moving towards modernization, but also promoting its long history and excellent culture, showcasing its outstanding achievements. We can see that China has hardworking people and a government that focuses on people's development and helps them move forward. I will bring the Nicaraguan people to China to see, learn, work, and exchange ideas with the Chinese people. I think the Nicaraguan people will like China.

The "the Belt and Road" initiative is very important, not only for China, but also for the whole world

Song Shujun: This year is the tenth anniversary of the the Belt and Road Initiative. What new progress will be made between China and Nigeria?

Michael Campbell: Since the restoration of diplomatic relations with China in 2021, Nicaragua has also joined the "the Belt and Road" initiative in 2022. We believe that the "the Belt and Road" initiative is a very important initiative, not only for China, but also for the whole world.In Nicaragua, we have already started implementing important infrastructure construction projects. We are advancing housing projects and will build 12000 houses to help the Nicaraguan people meet their housing needs. Many projects such as airports and highways are also being implemented, and we are also considering developing renewable energy projects. We hope Chinese companies can invest in Nicaragua, Chinese people can come to Nicaragua for tourism, and we also hope that Chinese people can travel from Nicaragua to other regions in Central America.

I would like to invite Chinese people to experience the uniqueness and uniqueness of Nicaragua

Song Shujun: What role do you think the "Colorful World" activity can play in cultural, tourism, or trade exchanges?

Michael Campbell: This is the first time that the Nicaraguan Embassy in China has participated in the "Colorful World" event. Nicaragua is a multi-ethnic and multicultural country, where each ethnic group has its own cuisine, dance, language, and clothing. We have a lot to share with our Chinese friends. Similarly, Nicaraguan people who come to China will find that China is a particularly diverse country. I only found out after arriving in China that almost every province here has its own dialect. So it is my honor to come to China, and having the opportunity to participate in cultural exchange activities like "Colorful World" is also a particularly good experience.

Song Shujun: How would you introduce Nicaragua to Chinese tourists?

Michael Campbell: First of all, I would say that Nicaragua is a country of lakes and volcanoes. The two largest lakes in Central America are both located in Nicaragua, one of which is Lake Nicaragua. It is vast and has a water area of over 8000 square kilometers. Lake Nicaragua is the only freshwater lake in the world with shark infestations. Nicaragua has 51 volcanoes, of which 12 are active volcanoes. Nicaragua also has beautiful forests and charming coastline. I know there are many delicious foods in China, with a wide variety and great taste. Similarly, the food in Nicaragua is also very delicious. So, I would like to invite Chinese people to come to Nicaragua and experience its uniqueness and uniqueness firsthand, happily immersing themselves in Nicaragua's culture and scenery.

E-commerce live streaming is very important in assisting the consumer sector

Song Shujun: In this year's "Colorful World" event, we will use e-commerce live streaming and other methods to let more Chinese people understand products from different countries. How do you see the assistance of e-commerce live streaming in the consumer sector?

Michael Campbell: I believe that e-commerce live streaming is very important in helping the consumer sector. Before I came to China, I had no idea how advanced China was in e-commerce and online shopping. Nicaragua is still striving to develop e-commerce, and we have many products that we want to launch in the Chinese market, especially cultural products. After signing a free trade agreement with China, we hope to use China's e-commerce platform to sell Nicaraguan products. Nicaragua produces high-quality seafood, beef, and pork, and our coffee, sugar, and many other products enjoy a high reputation worldwide. We hope to enable Chinese consumers to purchase Nicaraguan products, and we also hope to import high-quality Chinese products to Nicaragua and sell them to other regions in Central America.

Nicaragua will present unique souvenirs to Chinese friends

Song Shujun: I know that Nicaragua is rich in coffee, fruits, and tobacco. So, what products or specialties would you bring to participate in the "Colorful World" event? Can you introduce them to us?

Michael Campbell: I would like to invite the Minister Counsellor of the Nicaraguan Embassy in China to give a small presentation. She is wearing the traditional Nicaraguan attire of Whipple, and she will introduce some products to us.

Lina Becken: Hello everyone, my name is Lina Becken and I am the Minister Counsellor of the Nicaraguan Embassy in China. Now, I will introduce some Nicaraguan cuisine to you. This is the traditional beverage Pinorillo from Nicaragua, made from corn and cocoa. In Nicaragua, there is also a baked cheese Dim sum - Rosquilas, which is a traditional biscuit and can be eaten with coffee. Nicaraguan coffee is one of the best coffee in the world. Nicaragua also has Fujiana rum, which is one of the best rum in the world and has won many awards. In this year's "Colorful World" event, we will present Nicaraguan coffee and colorful souvenirs to our Chinese friends. I think the sticker with the words "Beautiful Nicaragua" on it is the best souvenir, prepared for Chinese friends.