Brasília, April 23, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - Members of the Brazil/China Business Council participated in a meeting today in Brasília to intensify economic and trade relations between the two countries. The Chinese, who have been in Brazil since Wednesday (21), are especially interested in petroleum exploitation, the aircraft industry, and agricultural products, especially soybeans. Brazil, for its part, is interested in coal, chemicals, medicines, textiles, machinery, and electrical products, among others.

According to Chinese government data, total trade between China and Brazil in 2003 amounted to US$ 7.98 billion, 78.7% more than in 2002.

The Chinese entrepreneurs' visit coincides with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's visit to China next month, when a series of protocols of understandings will be signed.

The Chinese delegation has already visited Embraer, the world's fourth largest manufacturer of commercial airplanes, and the Commodity Futures Market, in São Paulo, and later today they will be received by President Lula in the Planalto Palace.

Translator: David Silberstein