Lula hails unbreakable cooperation with China

In the face of rising global protectionism, Brazil is committed to removing trade barriers and providing more convenience for mutually beneficial cooperation with China, visiting Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Monday.

As strategic partners, Brazil and China are important players on the international stage, Lula said at the closing ceremony of a business seminar in Beijing, adding that through joint efforts the two sides can demonstrate to the world that cooperation is the right path amid global challenges.

Cooperation between Brazil and China is unbreakable, and the two countries need each other, he said, adding that by working together, the two countries can ensure that the Global South earns the world's respect.

Lula, who began a five-day state visit to China on Saturday, is accompanied by a delegation that includes a large number of ministers, governors and members of parliament, as well as more than 200 entrepreneurs, according to Brazilian media.

The Brazilian president expressed opposition to the sweeping tariffs imposed worldwide by the United States, stressing that multilateralism, rather than protectionism, is the key to development.

History has shown time and again that trade protectionism leads to conflict, he said, noting that by upholding multilateralism, the free trade system can be safeguarded.

Brazil is now taking another solid step forward in promoting cooperation with China, he said, adding that this has also created more opportunities for investment as well as economic and trade development.

Entrepreneurs play a crucial role in this regard, he said, adding that their role is indispensable in building new value chains, advancing the transition to a low-carbon economy and deepening scientific and technological cooperation.

Gao Yunlong, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the nation's top political advisory body, said that China looks forward to active efforts by Brazilian enterprises in exploring and deeply engaging with the Chinese market.

China is willing to actively explore ways to provide facilitation in areas such as visas, financing and the business environment for entrepreneurs from around the world, including Brazil, he said.

China has been Brazil's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. Bilateral trade has grown from $12.36 billion in 2004 to $188.17 billion in 2024, a more than fifteenfold increase, according to Fang Aiqing, chairman of the China Council for International Investment Promotion.

China is also a major source of foreign direct investment in Brazil, with cumulative investment in recent years exceeding $70 billion, he said.

Investment cooperation between the two countries has expanded from traditional sectors such as energy, electricity, infrastructure and manufacturing to emerging industries, including new energy, the digital economy, financial services and biomedicine.

Frederico Siqueira, Brazil's minister of communications, said that Brazil is willing to establish partnerships to introduce advanced and cutting-edge technologies, including satellite and fiber-optic technologies. Brazil is committed to ensuring a safe business environment and a sound legislative framework, he added.

Fabiana Tomaz of Cortex, a Brazilian real estate asset management company, said she believes that Brazil-China business cooperation is at a historic turning point.

She said her company is seeking Chinese investment as it aims to build a Chinese culture-themed commercial center in Brazil.

There are many dedicated professionals who are eager to provide services for business cooperation between the two countries, and there is a strong desire to make interactions more convenient, she said.