China is a dynamo of the world economy and is playing a central role in helping a global economic recovery, said Alicia Barcena, executive secretary of the Economic Commission for the Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), on Friday.

"China is part of the world trade of wheat, rice, soya, sugar and others, playing a very important role in the increase of those product exports. The same happens in the case of the minerals and oil," Barcena told Xinhua in an interview.

He said China is one of the most important market for Latin American and the Caribbean products.

"China is being a blessing for the exports of raw materials from Latin America and the Caribbean. But it is also a great exporter (to the region). So, it competes with the countries of this region, mainly with Mexico and the Central American nations," said Barcena.

Trade between China and Latin America has grown tremendously, he noted.

He said Mexico, for example, is beginning to see China as a partner rather than a competitor.

Mexico has given priority to trade relations with China. As a result, the Asian country is now the fifth largest overseas market for Mexican products.

Meanwhile, South America has also improved ties with China.

"All producers see the opportunity of reaching the Chinese market," said Barcena.