Brazil/China - presidential visit

Lula in Beijing to boost emerging nation ties

Article published on the 2009-05-18 Latest update 2009-05-18 14:21 TU

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (R) and his wife Marisa arrive at Beijing airport
(Photo: Reuters)

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio "Lula" da Silva arrived in Beijing on Monday for a three-day visit which should boost ties between the two emerging economic giants.

"I think the trip that I am about to embark on ... is one of the most important to defend a new economic order and a new commercial policy in the world," Lula told reporters before leaving Brazil.

Lula, who is accompanied by 240 business leaders, was scheduled to meet Chinese President Hu Jintao for dinner on Monday, as well as Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and other top officials.

The Brazilians hope to promote oil contracts, aircraft sales, meat exports and biofuel technology. Brazil's oil company Petrobas would be interested in deepwater exploration contracts in China, while the BNDES development bank wants to negotiate an 800-million-dollar (592-million euro) credit line with Chinese officials.

In March, China became Brazil's biggest trade partner, ahead of the United States. Brazilian exports to China, which are mainly iron ore and soya products, are 65 per cent up on this time last year.

Brazilian officials say that the trip heralds a "reorganisation of the international scene". The two countries have formed part of a bloc of emerging economies at international meetings, such as the G20.