Brazil and China will sign at least 10 co-operation agreements next week when the new Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff visits Beijing for the first time.
Rousseff, who took office on January 1, will lead a 350-strong delegation and meet President Hu Jintao and senior Chinese officials early next week in a move to strengthen trade and political ties, according to Alessandro Teixeira, deputy minister in Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade.
Teixeira was leading a group of 70 entrepreneurs scouting for business opportunities in Hong Kong yesterday before heading off to Beijing.
'Most delegates are visiting China for the first time,' he said. 'China is our main trading partner.'
Last year, Brazil's exports to China amounted to US$30.78 billion while imports from the country stood at US$25.59 billion. Iron ore, crude oil and chemical wood pulp were the major items shipped from Brazil to the mainland.
Mauricio Borges, the president of Brazilian trade and investment promotion agency ApexBrasil, said the country was seeking more co-operation with the mainland in technology and research and development while promoting trade in fashion, high-end shoes, wine and foodstuff.
