QUITO, Nov. 17 -- Ecuadorans from various walks of life have expressed their warm welcome to Chinese President Xi Jinping, who starts a state visit to the Latin American country Thursday.

Italo Cedeno, chairman of the Society of Petroleum Engineers Latin America, told Xinhua that Xi's visit will not only enrich the economic cooperation between Ecuador and China, but more importantly, it has a strategic significance for all Latin American countries.

"I think President Xi's visit will bring the good relations of our two countries to a new level. In the field of petroleum, China now already has the top-notch technology and in other industries, China also has a cutting edge," he said.

Michael Urdiales, a 25-year-old flying cadet, said he participated in a three-week airport safety seminar in China in July.

"It was the first time I visited China and the experience is amazing. ... After I came back to Ecuador, I am taking a Chinese-language class. I think the Chinese language will become the main language in the world in near future," he said.

Urdiales said he believed Xi's visit will provide opportunities for Ecuadoran students to study in China and for Ecuadoran people to travel to China.

David A. Cadena, a travel guide, said he has heard a lot about Chinese companies here and the general impression of the local people is that China is helping Ecuador to develop itself.

"I have also heard about many stories that Chinese company staff helping people in earthquake-hit areas and you can see the Chinese government sent us a lot of resources to our coastal region (hit by earthquake). I have seen a lot of tents, sleeping bags and now the people are still using them," he said.

"Actually we are very happy to receive more people from China to Ecuador. As for the state visit of your president, first I want to say welcome!" he told Xinhua.

Pablo Guayasamin, president of Guayasamin Foundation, said his father visited China long time ago and admired China.

"I admire your country for the culture and for the fact that it develops itself so quickly. I am very happy to see your president in my country because although China and Ecuador are far from each other geographically, their friendship is important to Latin America and the world," he said.

Amanda Quevedo, a staff member of the Guayasamin Museum, said she likes China because its education is an example for her own country and Ecuador should learn more about China's education system.

"I know that China is offering scholarships to my country every year and I am very interested. The exam is usually very competitive and hard but I would like to apply for it and visit China. That is my dream!" she said.