Promote in-depth development of Brazil-China strategic partnership

Chinese, Brazilian presidents hold talks

Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva is leading a grand delegation on a visit to China, which comprises seven ministers, four governors and more than 400 entrepreneurs. On the afternoon of May 24, President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva accepted an exclusive interview by People's Daily.

Question(Q): What do you expect to achieve during this visit and what questions are to be discussed in your talks with the Chinese leaders?

Answer(A): This year is the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Brazil and China. The relations between the two countries have been developing vigorously. The two countries share similarities in many areas: Both are big developing countries with vast territory and huge population, and with science and technology at about the same levels. We can make the bilateral relations closer and better. Brazil is not content with exporting raw material and minerals to China, it hopes to further expand import and export trade with China, hopes to increase trade between the two countries in high-tech and high value-added products and hopes to establish credible ties with China. The two countries help and support each other in international organizations such as the United Nations and the WTO and in international affairs. In a word, Brazil hopes to establish a strategic partnership with China, partnership expressed not only in political and economic areas but also in the fields of business, culture and science and technology. That is my wish I am going to express to the Chinese leaders.

Brazil and China have a very good and healthy relationship. There are no historical disputes and political estrangements, nor any obstacles between the two countries. Brazil has always adhered to the one-China policy and supports China's stance on Taiwan and human rights issues.

Q: Many Brazilian entrepreneurs came with Your Excellency the President. What specific cooperation results do you expect they are going to reach with the Chinese side?

China, Brazil issue joint communique

A: Last night (May 23) I attended the opening ceremony of Petrobras's Beijing Office. Petrobras has determined to take root in China and establish a strategic cooperative partnership with Chinese enterprises to jointly look for new business opportunities in a third country or on the vast high seas. I believe this plays an exemplary role in the cooperation between enterprises of the two countries. Embraer has set up a joint venture with a Chinese company to produce feeder aircraft in China. This reflects that the two countries show respect for and give warm support to economic cooperation. Companhia Vale do Rio Doce and China Baosteel Group made joint investment in the construction of a new steel mill, which demonstrates that enterprises of the two countries set their eyes on a long-term strategic goal for cooperation. In short, I earnestly hope that Brazilian entrepreneurs who have come to China with me would establish a long-term and stable relationship with their Chinese counterparts and sign more mutually beneficial trade contracts. In the years to come, the economic relations between the two countries will undoubtedly have even greater development: there will be new big trade contracts between enterprises and governments, thereby spurring trade in the fields of meat, lumber, minerals and industrial products. Brazil-China economic and trade cooperation has a promising future. Regarding China's market economy status, Brazil takes a positive stand and believes the question can be quickly solved.

Q: Some countries hold that China's rapid economic growth is a development opportunity for them. But some other countries worry that Chinese products would exert impact on their markets and affect their employment opportunity. What is your opinion about this?

A: Brazil and Latin American countries are not worried about China's rapid economic development. I can say on behalf of Southern Common Market countries that we hope for China's economic growth, hoping that China can import more products from Southern Common Market, and that China would export more products to the aforesaid market. The relatively balanced trade relations and development between China and Southern Common Market will facilitate the economic development of both sides.

Q: Brazil is a key member of the Southern Common Market. What role will Brazil play in promoting economic and trade relations between China and the Southern Common Market?

A: Brazil can serve as a "passage" for China to head for the Southern Common Market. Brazil and Argentina, as the largest countries in this market, are making joint efforts to establish a united market by the end of this year, which comprises all South American countries and the Southern Common Market. This would make it convenient for China to enter the South American market. Through Brazil China can build a more direct relationship with Southern Common Market and South American countries.

The article was carried on the People's Daily newspaper, May 25, and translated by People's Daily Online