The Brazil-China ties are of great strategic importance not only for the two countries, but also for the rest of the world, Brazilian President Michel Temer said in a signed article published Thursday in Chinese media before he travels to China to attend a BRICS summit.[Special coverage]
The bilateral ties are mutually beneficial, with Brazil being a reliable supplier of agricultural products and raw materials and also a secure destination for Chinese investment, the Brazilian leader said.
He expects to have discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang about further enhancement of bilateral trade relations and seeking new ways to bring closer the two peoples.
Brazil hopes to simplify visa procedures, strengthen cultural exchanges and encourage tourism between the two countries, according to Temer's article.
The two countries have jointly safeguarded free trade and voiced strong opposition to protectionist measures, he said, adding that they also abide by rules of the World Trade Organization and stand firm honoring their pledges under the Paris climate deal.
Such identical or similar positions by the two countries on various issues show that they are not simply two countries bound together by their common interests, but crucial stabilizing force in multilateral frameworks.
The second part of his China visit is to interact with entrepreneurs who intend to go to Brazil for economic and trade cooperation, Temer said.
The Brazilian president said that he would have two good opportunities -- one is to attend a seminar held in Beijing by the Brazilian government, and the other is to attend a BRICS business forum in Xiamen.
Since 2009, China has been the largest trade partner of Brazil, and China is Brazil's top export destination for the first half of 2017, accounting for one-fourth of Brazil's total exports, he said.
In addition, Chinese enterprises have invested significantly in infrastructure, energy, mining, electronics, telecommunications and other areas in Brazil, he added.
"What is greater than our existing economic relations is the potential for cooperation between us," Temer highlighted.
Brazil will offer investment opportunities in multiple fields, such as ports, airports, highways and electricity transmission, and hopefully the Chinese enterprises which have outstanding performances in these areas are able to participate in Brazil's modernization construction, Temer said.
The Brazilian president also mentioned that he will attend the ninth BRICS Summit in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen, meeting leaders from China, Russia, India and South Africa.
"During the meetings, we will sign an agreement to strengthen ties with the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB)," which was founded by the BRICS countries and has so far approved 11 infrastructure and sustainable development projects in several countries, including Brazil, Temer said.
He will also hold dialogues with leaders from Egypt, Guinea, Mexico, Tajikistan and Thailand.
Temer noted that China was the destination of his first overseas trip after taking office as president. During that visit in September 2016, "I tell people about our plans to overcome the crisis," he said.
After one year, Temer detailed the achievements made by Brazil, including keeping inflation under control again, a steadily falling interests rate, a more reliable economy, more business opportunities and more jobs.
Brazil is now a more confident country, the one that has achieved tremendous progress and is heading in the right direction, he added.
