BRASILIA, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) — Brazilian lawmaker Fausto Pinato, president of the Brazil-China Parliamentary Front, on Thursday defended the deepening of bilateral relations, saying economic complementarities can be further explored and the two countries should support each other in defending national interests, because “there is no doubt that the relationship with China is always very positive.”
In an interview with Xinhua on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, Pinato said that “the relationship between Brazil and China is getting stronger every day.”
“We know that, despite being on distant continents, we have different customs. But there is something that unites us: the desire to grow, the will to do business, the intention to shorten distances between Brazil and China,” he stressed.
Pinato recalled that until the 1980s, China and Brazil were at a similar level of development, but China has experienced extraordinary growth.
“That’s why Brazil should look at what China has achieved. It should not accept interference from Western powers and should evaluate what is best for Brazil. I have no doubt that what is best for my country is what it should do with China,” he added.
He stressed the importance of the trade partnership between the two countries, the growth of Chinese investments and economic complementarity, with mutual benefits.
“China is our largest trading partner, with trade ranging from raw materials to technology and infrastructure. In addition, Chinese investment has supported the development of key sectors in Brazil, such as energy, transportation and telecommunications,” he said.
Regarding the future prospects of bilateral ties, Pinato proposes that there be an expansion of ties from the defense industry to greater technological cooperation.
“We must seek out Chinese technologies, whether in vehicles or machinery, and begin to produce here in Brazil with a strategic partnership for the external market and for Latin America, so that it can benefit both nations,” he said.
The partnership between the largest economies in Asia and Latin America should also serve common development and the defence of national interests, without interference from third countries, according to the deputy, Brazilians “can do business with whoever we want.”
Brazil and China can join forces to defend themselves, he said, and suggested that the Asian country seek to improve its image in Latin America, “because it does a lot (for the region). And it is the victim of fake news, of negative and lying propaganda.”
