Brasília, April 23, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - The Brazilian Minister of Development, Luiz Fernando Furlan, participated in the ceremony today in Brasília in which the protocol of intencions to create the Brazil/China Business Council was signed. In his address, he informed that during President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's trip to China in May, new business deals should be announced.

The definitive implantation of the Council will occur during President Lula's visit. The presidency of the Council will be divided between the president of the Brazilian Vale do Rio Doce Company, Roger Agnelli, and the president of the Chinese Minmetals Group, Mial Gengshu.

China is currently Brazil's third largest trade partner, trailing only the United States and Argentina.

The Minister said that, in addition to the two countries' interest in the area of minerals and aviation, there is a lot of room for the furniture industry, hospital equipment, and computer programs. Furlan affirmed that Brazilian entrepreneurs are ready for the expansion of trade between the two countries. A delegation of entrepreneurs will accompany President Lula on his trip to China.

Furlan informed that, in June, a business round will be held in Shanghai by sectors identified as potentially important to the Chinese market. The Minister highlighted agribusiness as another growth sector in the trade between Brazil and China. The Minister also underscored the interest of the Chinese in Brazilian ethanol (ethyl alcohol) production.

Translator: David Silberstein