China interested in opening plants in Brazil, says premier
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Rio de Janeiro Governor Luiz Fernando Pezão check out subway railcars purchased from China
Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang said Wednesday (May 20) that Beijing is seeking to expand relations with Brazil and beyond trade. He commented on the $53 billion cooperation plan recently signed between the two countries, including 35 agreements in such areas as infrastructure, transport, and agriculture. According to him, China wants to set up plants in Brazil and exchange technology in infrastructure and mobility.
“I told [Rio's state governor] we would like to set up plants or centers to produce and service subway and [overground] trains in Rio in the future. This will allow us to create local jobs and train Brazilian workforce” said Keqiang at a trade show in Rio's dockland which exhibited manufactured equipment from China. The PM also rode one of the Chinese-made carriages purchased for the local subway.
The state of Rio de Janeiro has bought 100 overground trains, 34 subway trains, and seven commuter ferryboats in recent years. “This cutting-edge equipment was purchased at highly competitive rates and delivered in record time,” said Rio Governor Luiz Fernando Pezão, who is planning to expand relations with China in waste and water management, Internet services, and mobility.
Speaking to Chinese and Brazilian executives, the prime minister said he sees opportunities to increase production capacity between countries, and mentioned plans for a railway linking Brazil to the Pacific Ocean through Peru, which should help expand trade with Asia. “That [new] railway will advance Brazil's production,” said the PM adding that Chinese products will get more easily into the continent.
“On our part, we assure that all our products are good quality and meet environmental safety standards,” he said. He went on to reaffirm his intention to expand “traditionally Brazilian” imports, such as farm products.
Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, who represented President Dilma Rousseff at the event, said Brazil is also interested in expanding bilateral relations, buying more Chinese products, but also selling more. China currently imports raw materials from Brazil and sells manufactured products with higher added value.
“Our bilateral trade has grown 500% in ten years going from $12 billion to $ 80 billion, and China has been Brazil's primary trading partner since 2009,” Vieira mentioned. “The future is bright between our countries,” he added, mentioning the 35 agreements signed Tuesday and negotiations between Brazilian companies like Vale and Petrobras and Chinese organizations.
Translated by Mayra Borges
Fonte: China interested in opening plants in Brazil, says premier
