SAN JOSE, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Costa Rica should take an active part in the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, and strive to boost ties with China, said political observer and China expert Sergio Rivero.

China's Belt and Road Initiative is gaining traction in Latin America, he said, adding that the Costa Rican government should take advantage of China's impetus in developing infrastructure and promoting international trade.

Proposed in 2013, the initiative aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes of the Silk Road.

"I think the key point of the Belt and Road is interconnectivity," he said.

China is involved in a key infrastructure project which is underway in Costa Rica -- the expansion of Route 32, a major highway connecting the capital San Jose with the port of Limon, one of the country's leading trade hubs.

The new Route 32 will influence areas including tourism, trade and logistics as well as the growth of regions that are still neglected, Rivero said.

Costa Rica should take the opportunity and dedicate more economic and human resources to cooperation with China, Rivero said.