China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (China Chamber of International Commerce) Training Center
September 29, 2026
Edmundo Cubilla Anino
（Panama）
As the General Manager at the Pan-American Institute of Panama, I had the privilege of participating in the Seminar on International Trade Rules and Practices for Latin American Chambers of Commerce and Industry from 10 to 23 September 2026. Upon arriving in Beijing, everything left a deep impression on me. Airport procedures were efficient and streamlined, with staff members professional and meticulous. The reception arranged by the Chinese side was thorough and well-organized, making for an overall pleasant experience. During my stay at the hotel, the entire staff delivered thoughtful and considerate service, an experience I believe every Latin-American training participant shared.
While immersed in the joy of learning about China, I accidentally lost my passport. Faced with this mishap, people from multiple quarters stepped forward promptly to offer support. Public security authorities that took my report gave full cooperation and properly handled matters related to the lost document. This setback did nothing to dampen my enthusiasm for exchanges and visits in China. I am deeply grateful to staff from the CCPIT Training Center for walking me through every step of the formalities. I also wish to extend my sincere thanks to the Embassy of Panama in China, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, and the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality. All parties did their utmost to resolve my difficulties.
During my time exploring Beijing, I met warm-hearted and friendly Chinese citizens. Society as a whole brims with vitality and functions in sound order. I sampled a rich variety of local cuisines and experienced local customs and traditions. Visiting the Temple of Heaven allowed me to gain firsthand insight into China’s long-standing history and splendid civilization, and truly appreciate the differences between China and Latin American nations.
I witnessed everyday scenes of parents sending their children to school, and saw bicycles still valued as a mode of transport balancing development and well-being. Anyone visiting Beijing, or indeed any city across China, ought to go for a bicycle ride. In China, bicycles are far more than a simple means of getting around. They mirror the nation’s transformations and development. Once imported luxury goods, bicycles have come to symbolize the diligence and hard-working spirit of the Chinese people. Today’s bicycle industry is undergoing technological innovation. Sleek, modern models are deeply integrated into urban micro-mobility systems, and they can be seen everywhere, even in mega-cities.
In classroom sessions held in Beijing, I attended courses on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. President Xi Jinping is not only an outstanding national leader but also a statesman committed to his founding mission. China’s developmental achievements are no accident. They stem from the leader relying on and uniting the people. Looking back through history, China has given birth to numerous inventions that profoundly changed the world—a testament to the nation’s long-held reverence for wisdom. Far-sighted, President Xi Jinping draws fully on education to unlock the people’s potential. He understands that education has been, is and will remain a powerful force driving national progress.
The global landscape is undergoing profound shifts. BRICS, comprising China, Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa, accounts for roughly half of the world’s population and around 30 percent of global economic output. All signs point to the world accelerating toward multi-polarity. But Some Western countries still cling to the Cold War mentality. Some major Western powers leverage their media discourse power to fabricate many false narratives about China. Against this backdrop, we must sharpen our ability to distinguish facts from falsehoods and debunk fallacies with objective facts and solid arguments.
To my mind, President Xi Jinping stands as a role model for all humanity. Under his leadership, China has lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty and grown into a major country with a pivotal role in global affairs. This reminds me of the life wisdom my grandfather passed down to me. He once told me: do not broadcast your goals widely; wait until you deliver results and then let outcomes speak for themselves. This philosophy of pursuing progress with a down-to-earth attitude resonated deeply with me.
Seminars, workshops and training exchanges create precious opportunities to deepen economic and trade cooperation between Latin America and China. The Chinese people and the Government of the People’s Republic of China have delivered tangible development achievements while mapping out a promising long-term future. Upon returning to Panama, I will share what I saw and learned in China with wider audiences across universities in my home country through lectures, photos and videos, showcasing China’s great accomplishments and its pragmatic, effective development model.
Because of my lost passport, I did not get to ride China’s high-speed trains. They are said to be the world’s fastest, so smooth that a cup of coffee placed aboard will not spill a single drop. On my next visit to China, I plan to take high-speed rail to travel between neighbouring cities. Still, I did get to ride China’s shared bicycles on this trip.
Please accept the gratitude of the Panamanian delegation! I give everyone a score of 12, as twelve is the highest mark. This wonderful experience has been truly unforgettable, personally rewarding and of great significance to me. Thank you immensely! From Panama, congratulations on these important celebrations: October 1st—your National Day commemorating the founding of the People's Republic of China—as well as the Golden Week (October 1st through the 7th) and the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival (or Moon Festival). Once again, I extend my highest respect and best wishes to the great Chinese people and the Government of the People’s Republic of China!
