President Daniel Noboa begins official diplomatic tour of Asia

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa is embarking on an official diplomatic and economic tour of Asia from August 16 to 28, 2026. Following an invitation from President Xi Jinping, Noboa will spend eight days in China before traveling to Singapore and Vietnam.

The mission aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation, attract investment, and expand market access for Ecuadorian products. A primary focus in China is the consolidation of the existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and resolving phytosanitary barriers. Specifically, the National Aquaculture Chamber (CNA) has highlighted that restrictions on fourteen shrimp exporting companies have caused an estimated $45 million economic impact this year.

Business leaders, including the Chamber of Commerce of Guayaquil, view the trip as a vital opportunity to boost exports. Bilateral trade with China saw significant growth, reaching approximately $17.33 billion in 2025. Beyond resolving current export hurdles, the Ecuadorian delegation seeks to accelerate market entry for new products such as dairy, beef, bananas, and flowers.