摘要：In a recent interview with SFC Markets and Finance, Christian Duarte, Honduras' Minister of Finance, highlighted the nation's deep

SFC Correspondent Zheng Qingting at Beijing

In a recent interview with SFC Markets and Finance, Christian Duarte, Honduras' Minister of Finance, highlighted the nation's deepening collaboration with China, emphasizing renewable energy initiatives and broader economic partnerships.

Duarte underscored the significance of a newly signed Letter of Intent between Honduras' Ministry of Energy and the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO). This agreement aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, focusing on knowledge exchange and inviting Chinese investment in Honduras' energy infrastructure.

"Honduras is undergoing a historic energy transition," Duarte stated. "With substantial investments in technology and energy, our collaboration with China, particularly with GEIDCO, is crucial for sharing expertise and advancing our energy matrix."

The minister highlighted China's role in supporting key energy projects in Honduras, such as the Patuca II and Patuca III hydroelectric plants. These initiatives have not only bolstered the country's power supply but also contributed to modernizing its energy infrastructure. Duarte emphasized the importance of such projects in addressing Honduras' energy shortages and promoting sustainable development.

Beyond energy, Duarte pointed to the broader economic ties between the two nations. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 2023, trade between China and Honduras has seen significant growth. Honduras has begun exporting products like coffee and shrimp directly to China, eliminating previous logistical hurdles and opening new markets for its goods.

Duarte also discussed the potential for further collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and infrastructure. He noted that Honduras is exploring opportunities to diversify its economy and attract Chinese investment in various industries, aiming to generate employment and stimulate economic growth.

Addressing challenges, Duarte acknowledged Honduras' fiscal constraints and the need for financial support to realize its development goals. He expressed optimism that partnerships with China could help bridge funding gaps, particularly in large-scale infrastructure projects and technological advancements.

Duarte emphasized the mutual respect and shared objectives underpinning Honduras-China relations. He expressed gratitude for China's support and looked forward to continued collaboration that benefits both nations and their peoples.

SFC Markets and Finance: How do you view the significance of the newly signed Letter of Intent between Honduras’ Ministry of Energy and the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO)?

Christian Duarte: Indeed, the Ministry of Finance, alongside the Ministry of Energy, is on an official visit to the People's Republic of China. Today, a Letter of Intent was signed between the Ministry of Energy and the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO). This initiative aims to enhance the existing cooperation between our two nations in the energy sector. Honduras is undergoing a historic energy transition, with the government making substantial investments in technology and energy—areas that had been stagnant for years. Over the past four years, we have invested $1.6 billion in the energy sector.

Collaboration with the Chinese government and organizations like GEIDCO is crucial. It's not just about financial investment; it's about acquiring invaluable knowledge and technology that China has developed—resources that few countries possess. This visit and the Letter of Intent are steps toward exchanging knowledge, allowing Honduras to benefit from China's expertise and solidarity. Moreover, we aim to invite Chinese companies, investors, and builders to participate in developing Honduras's electrical infrastructure.

SFC Markets and Finance: How do you view the prospects for energy cooperation between China and Honduras?

Christian Duarte: Firstly, knowledge exchange is paramount. Understanding China's governmental experience in energy is invaluable. Secondly, enhancing our human capital is essential. We hope young Hondurans, university students, and public officials can receive training in China. Thirdly, we are inviting Chinese companies, including GEIDCO, to participate in constructing dams, transmission lines, and improving the IT systems of our National Electric Energy Company (ENEE). These efforts are integral to our country's green transition.

SFC Markets and Finance: What substantial progress has been made so far in energy cooperation between China and Honduras?

Christian Duarte: China has made significant energy investments in Honduras. Between 2011 and 2019, the Patuca II hydroelectric complex was developed. We are now moving forward with the next phase, Patuca II A. Additionally, there are Chinese investments in solar energy projects, which have seen considerable physical development. However, we aim to strengthen and expand this cooperation further. As projected, future energy demand will be high, and we must be prepared with green, non-polluting energy sources to combat climate change—a pressing issue for our vulnerable nation. We recognize China's commitment to transitioning energy matrices toward environmentally responsible, renewable components.

SFC Markets and Finance: What is the potential for cooperation between the two countries in the field of new energy?

Christian Duarte: We are focusing on two fundamental areas: hydroelectric and solar energy. We have plans to construct approximately four large dams, each requiring investments between $300 million and $1 billion. In terms of solar energy, as Minister Tejada mentioned, Honduras is the second-largest country in Latin America regarding installed solar capacity. Yet, we still have significant untapped potential. We believe this presents fertile ground for strengthening the relationship between our two countries.

SFC Markets and Finance: How would you assess the role of Chinese enterprises in promoting economic development and improving livelihoods in Honduras?

Christian Duarte: Cooperation with other countries enables governments to access infrastructure that would otherwise be difficult or costly to obtain. This translates into greater access to electricity, lower energy costs, and increased efficiency in our power generation network. Importantly, I want to highlight China's role in collaborating with countries beyond political or ideological inclinations. China has consistently respected national sovereignty and chosen to collaborate fundamentally with the Honduran people, for which we are deeply grateful.

SFC Markets and Finance: What are the main challenges Honduras faces in its energy development?

Christian Duarte: Our primary challenge is financial. Honduras faces a significant fiscal gap. The government, under President Xiomara Castro, is striving to rescue ENEE—the largest company in Central America—from the privatization processes experienced during neoliberalism, which left its financial situation precarious. This financial recovery is ongoing. ENEE plays a crucial role in our fiscal stability components with institutions like the International Monetary Fund. Therefore, financial challenges are substantial. However, in terms of technology, if there is political will for cooperation, technological barriers can be overcome. Our main issue remains financing.

SFC Markets and Finance: What incentives does the Honduran government offer to foreign companies interested in investing in the energy sector?

Christian Duarte: Indeed, in the energy sector, particularly renewable energy, the government has consistently supported investment projects. We offer incentives for imports and local market purchases to facilitate company installations. We understand that beyond profits, these investments bring welfare to the Honduran people. There is unwavering collaboration from both the executive and legislative branches.

SFC Markets and Finance: How would you evaluate the economic and trade cooperation between China and Honduras since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2023？

Christian Duarte:Cooperation between our countries has grown, with increased imports and exports between Honduras and China. More importantly, the establishment of diplomatic relations has opened a previously ajar window, revealing a world yet to be discovered and explored. Honduras is a significant producer and exporter of coffee and shrimp, among other products. We believe that entering the Chinese market will provide new opportunities, and we must continue to explore and enhance this relationship.

SFC Markets and Finance: Beyond energy, which sectors show the greatest potential for collaboration?

Christian Duarte: Certainly, the commercial and financial cooperation sectors hold great potential. China's markets are robust, with substantial state-owned enterprises. Honduras sees opportunities in diversifying our currency reserves and enhancing financial cooperation. China is not only a pioneer in energy but also in technology and information systems, areas where we believe significant investment opportunities exist.

SFC Markets and Finance: What impact has the U.S. tariff had on Honduras?

Christian Duarte:In the short term, we've not observed significant changes. However, potential impacts may arise in the medium term. Although tariffs have been suspended for approximately 90 days, we believe diplomatic channels should be opened to discuss this matter. Central America operates under a free trade agreement that ensures such exchanges are tariff-free, and we expect this to be respected. Some export sectors, like textiles, see this as an opportunity to offer more competitive prices compared to regions facing higher tariffs. Nonetheless, we anticipate that future demand in the U.S. market may be affected, possibly leading to reduced exports. To counter this, we are working to diversify our trade destinations, with China being a prime example.

SFC Markets and Finance: 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the China–CELAC Forum. How do you see the significance of this mechanism in improving China-Honduras cooperation?

Christian Duarte:China is among the top trading partners for many South American countries, and we hope to see similar growth in Central America. Beyond trade, China has made strategic investments in ports, logistics infrastructure, and energy—initiatives we are beginning to experience in Honduras. The China–CELAC relationship is vital, characterized by mutual respect and non-intervention in internal politics. It's a relationship between peoples, transcending governmental ties.

SFC Markets and Finance: What specific outcomes does Honduras aim to achieve from this mechanism?

Christian Duarte: In these times of global commercial and financial turbulence, the strengthening of the CELAC–China commitment to unity and bridge-building sends a powerful message to our people. It assures them that there are global partners who still believe in selfless cooperation. This message provides comfort and certainty about the future, demonstrating that our government is actively working to improve their lives.

Chief Producer: Yu Xiaona

Supervising Producer: Shi Shi

Editor: Li Yinong

Reporter: Zheng Qingting

Video Editor: Li Qun

New Media Coordination: Ding Qingyun, Zeng Tingfang, Lai Xi, Huang Daxun

Overseas Operations Supervising Producer: Huang Yanshu

Overseas Content Coordinator: Huang Zihao

Overseas Operations Editors: Zhuang Huan, Wu Wanjie, Long Lihua, Zhang Weitao

Produced by: Southern Finance Omnimedia Group

来源：西春红