China opens door of 1.3 billion consumers market to the world

China is opening the door of its 1.3 billion consumers market to Brazil and all the other countries willing to seize the opportunity.  Interested countries and companies should take part in the First China International Imports Expo, to happen in Shangai from November 5 to 10.

"It is rare to see a country promoting an exhibition focusing on imports and that's exactly what China is doing," said the Minister-Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Brazil, Xia Xiaoling. According to her, many countries are interested in participating in the event, but Brazil has not yet booked a booth to show its products. The country just confirmed its presence in the Nation Pavilion, a parallel event. "Brazil does not seem to be in a hurry", the counselor said.

Xia Xiaoling explained that invited countries that give an affirmative answer for taking part in the exhibition until January 31 will have a good discount in the participation fee.

"We have no problem with importing more from Brazil", said the Minister in Charge of Business at chinese Embassy, Song Yang. He showed no concern with Brazil's increasing trade surplus with China.  He added that he doesn't understand why some Brazilian sectors complain that China imports nothing but commodities, like soybeans and iron ore.

"We want to import more.  We want to import high-quality technological products, car parts and many other industrialized and aerospace products.  All Brazil has to do is participate in the International Imports Expo and show its products.  Without knowing the Brazilian products, the chinese cannot buy more of them", said Song Yang.

Tourism

Song Yang observed that in the service sector, Brazil is not taking the opportunities China offers either.  He mentioned tourism as an example.  According to him, in 2017 China sent 129 million tourists abroad.  Only 60 thousand of those came to Brazil.  According to Song Yang, Brazil does not invest in publicity in China to make its tourist attractions known.  "All the chinese know about Brazil is limited to Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer, Iguaçu National Park and Neymar".

As for Brazilian traditional export products, he said the lack of publicity is also causing a loss of market share in China.  The chinese diplomat said that currently the coffee from Colombia and a few other Central America countries is gaining ground to the detriment of Brazilian coffee.

Bilateral trade

Song Yang recalled that, although Brazil does not exploit the full potential of its products, foreign trade figures are positive for the country.  In 2017, Brazil exported $47.48 billion to China and imported $27.32 billion, with a $20.16 billion surplus.

Translated by Mariana Branco