China and Brazil sign new agreements on the sidelines of Xi Jinping's state visit to Brasilia

China and Brazil have agreed on a series of development strategies, such as the New Growth Acceleration Programme, with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aimed at accelerating economic integration in South America and deepening cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, science and technology, and environmental conservation.

The announcement followed a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brasilia, coinciding with Xi’s state visit after the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. This is reported by Toda Palavra, a partner of TV BRICS.

The Presidents signed 37 bilateral agreements, fuelling an expanding partnership between the countries covering critical areas such as agriculture, trade, technology, and sustainable development.

“China has been Brazil's largest trading partner since 2009, with bilateral trade reaching a historic record of US$157 billion in 2023. Our shared vision prioritises not only economic progress but also sustainability”

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva President of Brazil

Lula da Silva highlighted China’s significant role as both a trade ally and a major investor in Brazilian infrastructure projects, which have generated employment and fostered green growth.

Xi Jinping, who attended the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro prior to his Brasilia visit, reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening ties.

“We aim to advance cooperation in traditional sectors such as trade, finance, and infrastructure while fostering collaboration in emerging fields like green mining, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy”

Xi Jinping Chinese President

Noting that China highly values Brazil's international status and influence and supports Brazil in playing a greater role on the international stage, Xi said China stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Brazil at the United Nations, BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms, support Brazil's presidency of BRICS next year, promote high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation, and make BRICS voice louder on upholding multilateralism and improving global governance.

The agreements range from protocols on agricultural exports and joint projects in innovative technology to plans for enhancing AI capabilities and promoting sustainable mining practices. They reflect a concerted effort to align Brazil’s Accelerated Growth Programme with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, fostering mutual development.

The visit also commemorates 50 years of diplomatic relations between Brazil and China, building on Lula’s April 2023 trip to Beijing. Marking a cultural milestone, the two nations designated 2026 as the China-Brazil Year of Culture to strengthen people-to-people ties.

Photo: Toda Palavra Ricardo Stuckert / PR