Brazil eyes deeper ties with China in agri-tech, infrastructure in alignment with GDI

In an era marked by unprecedented global transformations, the world stands at a critical crossroads, grappling with deepening deficits in peace, development, security, and governance. As humanity faces unparalleled challenges during this tumultuous period, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, has put forth a solemn call to action through the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). The three pivotal initiatives address the pressing issues of our time, offering viable pathways and robust support for the building of a global community of shared future. Rooted in the rich historical experiences of the CPC's century-long struggle and infused with the wisdom of China's traditional culture, these initiatives are expected to unite the world in the pursuit of common progress and stability.To offer a deep understanding of the three global initiatives, and elaborate on their significance on a global scale, the Global Times is launching a series of articles.

China has actively supported Brazil's agricultural sustainability, aligning with the GDI. Southern Brazil's Parana State is renowned for its agricultural innovation. In this issue, Global Times reporter Xie Wenting (GT) spoke with Parana State legislator Jorge Gomes de Oliveira Brand (Brand) on the GDI and more.

GT: China has been Brazil's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. Parana is a key hub for agricultural innovation in Brazil. What areas of cooperation are seen in agricultural science and technology? How can both countries work within the Global Development Initiative (GDI) to promote South-South collaboration in agriculture?

Brand: Parana is indeed a territory with a privileged position in terms of geography and nature, which brings many benefits and advantages for the cultivation of different crops and cultures, and at the same time to sell its production to the rest of Brazil and worldwide. In the north and west of Parana State, the Parana River basin serves as a vast reservoir of water that irrigates some of the richest soils on the planet. To the south, the Iguacu River flows west from its sources in Curitiba, the capital, all the way to the magnificent Iguacu Falls, which define the border with Argentina and Paraguay. It is also important to consider the subterranean reservoirs of water over which Parana has developed, with emphasis on the Guarani Aquifer and Serra Geral Aquifer. Parana has outstanding levels of production of soybeans, corn, wheat, coffee, and several fruits, honey, and animal protein as well.

Nature has blessed this territory, and the historical occupation of land by small agricultural units has allowed agriculture to flourish, making Parana one of the wealthiest states in Brazil. In addition to the production of grains and commodities, it is the state with the most significant production of organic farming, pesticide- and pollution-free food, strengthening rural revitalization and nature conservation.

Parana is also an important hub for science and research, with dozens of universities and institutes that produce knowledge aiming to boost the development of agricultural sustainability. It is worth mentioning the role of the Federal University of Parana, the first public university in Brazil, as well as the state-run public universities of Londrina and Maringa. Science is thriving in Parana and this is certainly an asset that should be taken into consideration.

Parana has, as mentioned, a privileged position. The coast has one of the richest bays in the world with one of the most preserved ecosystems in the Atlantic Forest and hundreds of islands, and one of the most important harbors in Latin America in the city of Paranagua, through which a vast quantity of exports sail all over the world.

China is already the biggest commercial partner of Parana (and of the whole of Brazil as well), and since 2018, China Merchants has been responsible for the administration of the container terminal of Paranagua, and this contract will last till 2048. There is already engagement and connection with China in many areas, but there is still untouched potential for the partnership to increase agricultural research and production, with a focus on agroecological products coming from fair trade practices, empowering farmers who produce healthy food items that could be easily exported to China.

GT: Parana is a strategic gateway to the Pacific, and the "Bi-Oceanic Rail Corridor" could reshape South American trade routes. How is this project seen as impacting Parana's economy?

Brand: This is a very important question. Parana already has a railway infrastructure that must go through a process of modernization. Brazil has made, in past decades, poor choices on railways; it completely lost the capacity for passenger transportation and cargo transport has gone mainly to truck logistics.

It is believed that the "Bi-Oceanic Rail Corridor" promoted by China could be the opportunity to reshape logistics, and Parana is a very important hub for this project. On the east, the Paranagua Harbor complex is one of the most important for Atlantic trade, and on the west, there is the connection with Paraguay and Argentina. Parana occupies a central position for this project, but it is important, from this perspective, to make it an opportunity to redesign logistics in terms of transportation of assets and people, placing Parana in a future era of modernization, as already seen in China with high-speed trains.

GT: The GDI highlights sustainability, and Parana is a leader in agribusiness. How can Chinese investments in agri-tech, such as precision farming and bioenergy, align with Parana's sustainability goals?

Brand: In a recent trip to China in March, visits were made to the facilities of the China National Machinery Industry Corporation in Nanjing, where there was great admiration for the technology being used to enhance production, control pests, optimize inputs, and cater to small farmers and family units. This would make a big difference for Brazil's agricultural reality. There is a need for machines and technology suitable for small farmers, and it would be fantastic for this type of machinery to be produced in China. In Suzhou, visits were made to the China Agriculture University's laboratories, organic rice fields, and industry and waste treatment for bio-input generation. This last project is especially important as it can bring a definitive solution to the critical problem of waste production from cities, while creating facilities for agroecological production with rich, local, and sustainable fertilizers.

Parana already has some good practices in agricultural sustainability, but the overall challenge is to decrease dependence on chemical fertilizers, enhance water policies, and promote more agroecological practices. China, as the major commercial partner, could induce this transition by demanding products that originate in nature-friendly practices. This would surely be a stepping stone for structural change in Parana's agricultural production, creating healthier food chains for producers and consumers in both Brazil and China.

GT: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in bilateral trade. As a legislator, what policy reforms are proposed to facilitate SME cooperation, particularly in agribusiness and food processing?

Brand: First of all, there is a need to bring China closer to Parana, and create bridges of connection between cultures and societies. There is a lack of trustworthy information and knowledge about China in Brazil. The exposure to certain media outlets that try to create an anti-China atmosphere hinders business and cultural proximity. It should be promoted more actively, showing how SMEs can do business with China, and what the paths are to make this concrete and viable. Bringing Chinese enterprises to Parana to share technological advances and good practices for agriculture and food processing is essential. Both countries can mutually grow from this closeness. Bilateral events can be promoted, showing Parana producers how they can do good business with China.

GT: Beyond agriculture, China is expanding investments in Brazil's high-tech manufacturing, logistics, and infrastructure. How is Parana positioning itself to attract Chinese investments in these sectors?

Brand: Parana is one of the best territories for investments in Brazil due to its strategic geographic position and facilities-railways, roadway networks, harbors, borders, universities, institutes, and qualified labor force. Parana can benefit greatly from Chinese technology and expertise. At the same time, there is a need for cultural education about China and the broadening of trade between the societies. The eradication of poverty, food insecurity, and the millennia of knowledge inherent in Chinese society, along with the climate change policies being implemented, should be positioned as key topics for cultural exchange and bilateral discussions between the societies.

GT: China and Brazil are both major players in the Global South. From a state-level perspective, how can Parana contribute to strengthening South-South cooperation within the framework of initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the GDI?

Brand: It can be said that every effort will be made to further connect Parana with the Chinese advancements that can help promote social justice and prosperity. At a time when neo-fascism is rising globally, the spread of false propaganda, and the dismantling of world trade by the current US administration, it is crucial for countries that were once colonized to unite to push forward a global agenda of mutual help, awareness, and cooperation.

"To serve the people" means to create good living conditions for everyone, preserving culture and nature with the help of science and good public policies. It should be reminded that climate change is happening right now, and commitments to reducing damage and creating resilient cities and regions should not be forgotten. China and Brazil (including Parana, the state represented) must walk side by side, helping each other in these challenging and uncertain times ahead.
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Company Name: Global Times
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