SAN SALVADOR, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- A prominent businessman of Chinese descent in El Salvador has reasons to celebrate after the Central American country established diplomatic ties with China this week.

"We had been waiting many years for diplomatic relations to be established and now that day has finally arrived," Yang Bo, vice president of China-El Salvador Chamber of Commerce, said.

Yang, who has lived in El Salvador for almost 30 years, said establishing diplomatic relations with China will bring opportunities for El Salvador's economy and society.

"We (Chinese descendants) have longed for this day because we feel El Salvador's growth is very slow compared to other Central American countries'. We hope it will drive the economy forward," Yang said.

El Salvador will be participating in the first China International Import Expo to be held in Shanghai in November so that Salvadoran companies can promote their products and kickstart business in China.

El Salvador has many products to export, including coffee and shrimp, Yang said.

Another benefit will be facilitated travels between the Chinese mainland and El Salvador.

"We were waiting for this relationship to improve imports and immigration," Yang said. "As there is no embassy here, it is very complicated getting a visa."