Luis Schmidt Montes (M), Chilean ambassador to China, is interviewed at the International Conference on Food Loss and Waste in Jinan, capital of Shandong province on Sept 11. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"Shandong is an important province in China in the agricultural sector and industrial sector," Luis Schmidt Montes, Chilean ambassador to China said, during an interview at the International Conference on Food Loss and Waste held in Jinan on Sept 11.

The production of food between China and Chile is complementary. Qingdao exports beer to Latin America, and Chile exports its cherries to China. The production of food in East China's Shandong province also shares similarities with Chile. For example, both places are renowned cherry producers.

The cooperation between Chile and China extends beyond diplomatic and political matters and also applies to the private sector.

According to Montes, the topic of food loss and waste is a global one which needs people all over the world to work together to tackle. Chile has an important programme to reduce the food loss and is preparing to reduce its total food loss and waste by 15 percent in the next decade.

Montes said that Jinan city is an ideal host location for the conference as it has a leading advantage in agriculture and food production in China.

"I want to learn more about Confucius philosophy and work with Jinan city in economic and cultural areas," Montes said.