Brasília, March 23, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - The Braziian Minister of Foreign Relations, Ambassador Celso Amorim, met yesterday (22) with Chinese officials in Beijing, to discuss matters of bilateral interest, which, according to the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Relations, include a desire on the part of Brazil to cooperate with the People's Republic of China in the entire chain of production, distribution, and utilization of fuel alcohol.

China already has experimental areas for the technology of alcohol derived from corn and wheat and is interested in establishing cooperation with Brazil, in view of Brazil's extensive experience in this sector. According to the Ministry, Minister Amorim also mentioned the need to resolve the bureacratic obstacles that interfere with the exportation of fresh meat and soybeans from Brazil to China.

In addition, Brazil and China discussed cooperation in the field of space, with a focus on the Sino-Brazilian satellite program, and Brazilian participation in Chinese bidding processes for the construction of new nuclear energy plants in that country. The Brazilian government also expressed its interest in Chinese participation in projects to refurbish the Brazilian railroad network.

2004 marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brazil and China, and President Lula to China is scheduled to visit China in May, when a large Brazilian cultural exposition will be inaugurated in the pavilion of the Forbidden City, in Beijing.

Translator: David Silberstein