On September 2, 2015, Premier Li Keqiang met with Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Vice President of the State Council and the Council of Ministers of Cuba, who came to China to attend the commemorative activities marking the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. (Photo/Xinhua)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s unprecedented visit to Cuba will spur better Sino-Cuba relations, according to China’s former ambassador to Cuba, boosting bilateral cooperation in multiple areas. The visit will also set a good example for South-South cooperation worldwide.

Following his participation in the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Premier Li will visit Cuba later this month. The tour will be the first official visit to Cuba by a Chinese premier since the two countries established diplomatic ties 56 years ago, Xinhua reported.

“Though China and Cuba share close ties, such a high-level visit is quite rare. Li’s historic visit to Cuba will elevate Sino-Cuba ties to a new high and inject impetus into bilateral collaboration both in politics and the economy,” said Liu Yuqin, former Chinese ambassador to Cuba and a research fellow with the China Foundation for International Studies, in an interview with People’s Daily online.

“Coming after the 7th Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCP), Li’s visit also shows China’s strong support for the development path chosen by Cuba and its people,” Liu added.

The 7th Congress of the PCP was held in April, charting the course of Cuba’s social and economic development for the next five years. The core value of the congress is Cuba’s adherence to its socialist road and economic reforms that suit the country’s national condition.

“As a country that has chosen its own development path and achieved great success, China can impart its own experiences to Cuba. Meanwhile, China can also learn from Cuba, especially in the field of healthcare,” Liu said.

Chinese companies are expected to benefit from Li’s historic visit to Cuba as part of China’s effort to open up the country’s market. During Li’s visit, the two sides will sign cooperation deals in areas such as technology, renewable energy, industry and environmental protection, Xinhua reported on Sept. 15.

“A thaw in U.S.-Cuba relations was accomplished during Obama’s visit to Cuba in March, creating a more favorable investment environment. It leads to both opportunities and challenges for Chinese investors and companies in Cuba. Li’s visit will attract more Chinese investors to come to Cuba and strengthen the two countries’ economic ties,” Liu said.

According to Liu, industrial capacity cooperation might be a highlight of the upcoming visit, as Cuba has a strong demand for infrastructure construction, which is a strength of China’s.

China is currently Cuba’s second largest trading partner. Bilateral trade between the two nations grew 57 percent year on year in the first nine months of 2015, reaching about $1.6 billion, according to the official website of the Chinese Embassy in Cuba.