Brazil Center opens in Shanghai to boost bilateral ties

A first batch of institutions and companies settled into the newly unveiled Brazil Center in Shanghai's Yangpu District on Friday, marking a fresh step forward in China-Brazil cooperation.

The center's launch coincided with the 51st anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Set to serve as a key cooperation hub, the facility will assist Brazilian enterprises in accessing the Chinese market while supporting Chinese firms in their expansion into Brazil. It will also boost collaboration across sectors including advanced manufacturing, biomedicine and new energy, among others.

"The Brazil Center's opening comes at a time when our strategic partnership is at its best," said Augusto Pestana, Brazil's consul general in Shanghai.

"It will strengthen our cooperation in technology and innovation, and serve as a platform for exchanges in business, culture, education and tourism."

Daniel Almeida Filho, secretary of technological development and innovation at Brazil's Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, hailed the center "an important milestone in Brazil-China relations."

He said the two countries should work together on energy transition, digital transformation, food security, and artificial intelligence.

During the inauguration ceremony, Yangpu District and the Brazil Center signed an agreement with the China International Import Expo Bureau to help Brazilian tech firms join the expo's innovation section. The two sides also launched the Yangpu Brazil Football Culture Exchange Center.

Future plans include attracting more Brazilian companies and institutions, bolstering cooperation in science, trade, culture, and sports, and strengthening Yangpu's role as a hub for international innovation.