Beijing, January 8 (RHC-Xinhua) -- President Luis Guillermo Solis of Costa Rica has called for the advancement of China-Latin America ties and urged the two sides to grasp opportunities to reinforce current achievements and create conditions to strengthen co-operation in multiple fields.

Speaking during a meeting of entrepreneurs held in Beijing on Wednesday, Solis said that given the current trends, China would become the largest trade partner of Latin America in 15 years.

Solis, who held talks on a strategic partnership with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, said that Chinese merchandise, including textiles, home appliances, cell phones and automobiles, prevailed in Latin America, while mineral products and farm produce from Latin America were increasing in China.

He hoped the region would attract more Chinese investments in technology transfer and the high value-added manufacturing sector, because the United States, currently the top investor in Latin America, was focusing on only a few sectors, such as resources and energy.

China is the second-largest trade partner and the third-largest investor in Latin America. Trade between the two sides totalled 241.9 billion U.S. dollars in the first 11 months of 2014, data from the China Council for The Promotion of International Trade showed.

In addition to trade, Solis said he hoped collaboration in culture, education and society would also be advanced to push forward China-Latin America ties.